Togo head coach Patrice Neveu said he was pleased with his players’ performance despite their 2-0 defeat by Zambia, but admitted he was deeply disappointed with the result.
The Hawks conceded early when Albert Kangwanda opened the scoring at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, before Eliya Mandanji sealed victory for Zambia with a stoppage-time finish.
Neveu felt the scoreline did not reflect what he saw from his side during the Group I encounter.
“I am happy with the performance of my players, though we conceded early,” Neveu said.
“But the result doesn’t reflect what actually happened on the pitch. I am deeply disappointed with the result. I have massive experience in these kinds of games in Africa.”
The French coach, who had spoken before the match about Togo’s ambition to take something from the trip to Zambia, appeared frustrated when asked to assess the performance.
“You saw the game — analyse it yourself,” Neveu said.
“Zambia deserves the result, yes, but Togolese people must be respected.”
The defeat ends Togo’s perfect start to the qualifying campaign after they opened Group I with a 1-0 victory over Burundi.
The Hawks therefore remain on three points, but drop to third place in the group following Zambia’s victory.
Zambia also have three points after bouncing back from their 3-1 defeat by Algeria, but move into second place on goal difference.
Algeria remain top of the group after being held to a 2-2 draw by Burundi. The North Africans recovered from two goals down to rescue a point, leaving them one point clear of both Zambia and Togo.
For Zambia, Kangwanda’s early strike provided the platform for a much-needed response after the defeat in Algiers, while Mandanji’s late goal ensured all three points stayed in Ndola.
The result also gives interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina his first competitive victory in charge of the Chipolopolo.
Togo will now have to regroup ahead of their next qualifier, with Neveu’s side still firmly in contention after their opening-day win but left to reflect on a second-round defeat that leaves them third in Group I.
