Soccer News of Tuesday, 20 January 2015

Source: goal.com

It was a “disappointing” defeat - Coach Grant

Ghana coach Avram Grant has said he is disappointed with the loss against Senegal in his debut Africa Cup of Nations game, but believes all is not lost yet.

He said the defeat will not deter the Black Stars from looking ahead in their next crucial game against Algeria.

The Black Stars lost their opening Group C opener 1-2 to the Teranga Lions in Mongomo on Monday to sit third on the log after Algeria beat South Africa 3-1 in the other group game.

Grant is rallying his charges to look positive because the remaining two games can change a lot in the tournament.

“It was very disappointing because we did everything to win the game… they scored from high balls. It was difficult to compete against them in the high balls. We lost the battle in the air,” the ex-Chelsea boss said in a post-match interview.

“It was difficult for us to compete, but the players did well and this is the reason why we scored the first goal. It was a difficult match for us. We were playing against experienced and very physical players," the Ghana coach said.

He added: “When we played the ball along the ground it was good. We opened the scoring and had good chances.

“We don't want this result that has happened but I'm sure as you saw the players showed good mentality and we hope it will be the same next game. But we knew that if we lost nothing would be decided.”

Ghana’s next game is against Algeria on Friday.