TotalEnergies AFCON U-20: We were unlucky today - CAR star Zandang

The Central African Republic (CAR) U20 star Noah Ato-Zandang says luck eluded them when they fought in vain to clinch a place at the knock-out phase of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Young Les Fauves were eliminated from the tournament in Egypt on Sunday following their goalless draw with Congo in Cairo in their final Group B match.

CAR needed to beat the Red Devils at the Cairo International Stadium while hoping for Uganda to get a handsome victory over South Sudan to boost their faint chances of going through.

Sebastien Ngato's team dominated Congo in the Group B clash played in Cairo but failed to get the win.

Noah Ato-Zandang was named the TotalEnergies Man of the Match for his performance on Sunday. The young midfielder put in a great performance for the CAR and came close to breaking the deadlock when his fierce effort crashed off the post.

"We wanted to win the match, but unfortunately it ended in a draw," Noah said after the match in Cairo.

"We gave our best and fought for the win, but we were unlucky."
The Central African Republic failed to repeat their 2021 performance when they reached the quarter finals.

"We were not able to qualify this time, but we will work hard to qualify in the next tournament," Ato-Zandang said

"I Would like to thank my coach and all my colleagues, and winning today's award is the result of the work of the entire group."