Burkina Faso head coach, Hubert Velud said his side had a greater chance of winning the game but let it slide in the last minute against Algeria in their second game of the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.
The Stallions conceded a late goal to draw with Algeria at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Saturday afternoon.
Velud praised his side for their intensity and blamed the late equaliser on lack of concentration but hoped they would learn from it.
“We had a very good game. We came close to winning but the regret we have is losing concentration for us to concede at the last minute but it was a very beautiful game. I’m satisfied. We did what we wanted to do. Very efficient but we could have taken things more seriously in the last minutes. We need to work on the little details then we will come back better,” he said after the game.
With 4 points, Burkina Faso are still top of Group D and will play Angola in their last group game at the at Charles Konan Banny Stadium stadium in Yamoussoukro on Tuesday, 23 January.
Meanwhile, Algeria head coach, Djamel Belmadi has admitted that the game against Burkina Faso in their second Group D tie of the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 was a tough one. Baghdad Bounedjah scored late to salvage a point for Algeria.
Belmadi who was impressed with his side’s output in the game said the game was very tough, but added he would settle for the outcome.
“I’m very satisfied with what they gave on the pitch today. We allowed Burkina Faso to dominate more in the first half but we came into the second half better so we are satisfied and I’m satisfied with the draw. It was a difficult match with a difficult team but coming out with a draw, we will take that for now”.
The Burkina Faso team put a lot of pressure and intensity in this match, nothing was easy for us against a very difficult side so we will look ahead with the point and get to cross this group stage.”
Algeria, who are still chasing their first win in the Afcon 2023 will play their last game against Mauritania on Tuesday at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
Belmadi concluded that he has observed his side’s mistakes and will improve in their last group game.
“I have observed the mistakes we made and will use it to better our last group match. We could have been disappointed and nervous but we made sure we came to the second game with a better mindset. I’m sure with these players we will get far in this competition.”
