Mancini remains positive despite losing to Ivory Coast

Gambia head coach Luciano Mancini

Following Gambia’s loss to the Elephants of Ivory Coast at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Saturday, Scorpions coach Luciano Mancini has chosen to remain positive despite the outcome of the result.

“I think that my team put on a good performance. We held Ivory Coast in the first half but in the second [half], the penalty pulled the rug out from under us,” regional-turned Scorpions coach Luciano Mancini stated admitting to the superiority of the Elephants.

“It’s true that we lost by 3-0 but we have nothing to be embarrassed about seeing we lost to an experienced Ivory Coast team which I hope will go far in this competition.”

Arsenal striker Gervinho in particular impressed the 57-year-old coach, with the masterly performance he displayed in the clash.

“Gervinho was incredible and put us in a lot of difficulty. The penalty he created changed the course of the match,” he observed, before admitting that his team have lost all hope of qualification.

“With this defeat, it’s definite that we are no longer in the race.  However, we are going to continue to work to allow this team to gain experience.”

Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi says he feels relieved following the victory over Gambia.

The Elephants were eliminated from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations as early as the quarter finals by the Super Eagles of Nigeria, but have quickly returned to winning ways.

“Yes, I feel relieved. After the disappointment at the AFCON, we are winning again. There were some changes made, but these have not disrupted the team. On the contrary in fact, I think this is an amply-merited win,” the French-Tunisian coach said.