Alexandria, Egypt (PANA) - "Victory is good, mainly when it allows us through to the second tour. I am happy that we had been freed early in the match (thanks to the first goal) and in the tournament (for being qualified after the second match)," remarked Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre after a 2-0 win over South Africa.
"And, I am also happy for having been equal to our reputation as African champions," elated Lemerre told PANA Thursday in Alexandria after the Tunisia-South Africa group C tie.
However, he admitted: "It was a tough match. We did huge efforts, both during this match and when preparing for it."
"My players were extremely committed (to the match) and this (is) one thing I give extreme importance. In fact, Tunisia have a big French culture and a lot has been done in this matter by Tunisian youth coaches and educators during many years," Lemerre
emphasised.
He said he "changed five players compared to the first game but that has nothing to do with tactics".
"Bouazizi and Jaziri had had yellow cards in the first match against Guinea and I don't like to have players with cards in my squad. For the rest, I always said that the 23 players are of equal importance to me. I don't have a first and a second team in my philosophy."
For his part, South Africa coach Ted Dimitriu admitted: "It was a highly-competitive game, often of very good quality from both
sides".
"We were disturbed by the rain and Tunisia, who (have) much more experience and know-how, deserved their victory. I wish them "bonne chance".
"I'm not upset of what happened because I'm convinced that the future belongs to South-Africa. I'm sure they'll be very good in two years time," Dimitriu observed.
However, he complained that his players had just 21 days to prepare the tournament, besides a unique international friendly match, which cannot be enough.
"We only have five experienced players in the squad."
Dimitriu fold journalists that he would know his future with Bafana Bafana "after the Cup of Nations and after I have talked to the SAFA officials".
