Zebras deserve better - Tunisia coach
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Thursday November 13, 2014 10:27
Though the Zebras have lost all their four matches in the group stage, the Belgian said they should have notched points in the qualifiers by now.
“It was a tight game between us and them in Tunisia. There was a little bit of luck for us, that was why we managed to win the game. We got a free kick and a penalty in that game,” Lekeens said.
He asserted that the Zebras are not an easy side and deserve to have collected points in the campaign. The Zebras meet Tunisia tomorrow in a game that could see the North African giants qualify for AFCON. Tunisia need a point to sail through from Group G but have vowed to go for a win in the game.
The former champions are currently top of the group with 10 points while Senegal are second with seven. Seven time champions, Egypt are third with six points while Zebras prop the standings with no point.
Lekeens told journalists yesterday that despite their position in the group, tomorrow’s game will be tight. “It will not be an easy game for us. I told my players to take this game like a cup final. We need one point to qualify but we will play for maximum points,” he said. He added that he needs full concentration from his players in the game.
Zebras coach, Peter Butler agreed that his side has been performing better than the points suggest despite the fact that they are in a group of death. He said his charges have given a good account of themselves against players from a higher level. Butler said he has told his players to express themselves whether it is a win or a loss. He said he has always tried to balance his team with youngsters and experienced players. “We are not at the level of Tunisia and Senegal.
Tunisia have quality players and they also have an experienced coach,” he said. Butler will be without several players who are out with injuries.
Defenders, Oscar Ncenga and Leutlwetse Tshireletso are sidelined while several new faces have been called up to the team like Gogontle Marumo and Kgololo Kgogobi. Butler said despite not making it to the finals, the qualifiers have provided valuable experience to the Zebras.