Libya coach Filipovic pleased despite early CHAN exit

Libya coach Zoran Filipovic says he is pleased with the participation of the former champions in the Total Africa Nations Championship 2020 in Cameroon despite their exit from the tournament at the group stage.

The Croatian trainer said the opportunity to train with the team for the first time has given him the firm idea of how to prepare his squad for their upcoming matches on the continent.

The 67-year-old took charge of the squad last month just before their participation in the tournament designed exclusively for home-based players.

But they crashed out of the competition on Monday when they were defeated 1-0 by Congo in the Group B game played at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.

The defeat ensured that the Mediterrenian Knights finished bottom of the group with two points after three matches in the pool also containing DR Congo and Niger.

Filipovic says even though they did not reach the knock-out stages of the tournament the opportunity to get to know his players is invaluable.

“I am happy with my players. This competition was really good for me, the way we managed the training sessions with the players,” the Croatian tactician said the post-match press conference.

“I had the time to be able to admire them playing and that allows me to have prospects for the next competitions.

“For me, it was a good opportunity to get to know my players better and to understand their personality.”

Congo who are making their third appearance in the CHAN tournament will now face Mali in the first quarter final clash on January 30th in Yaounde.

DR Congo who came out top of Group B will battle Cameroon in the second quarter final to be played at the Japoma Stadium in Douala the same day.