The Belgian-Gambian made the remarks during a post-match interview with reporters following the Scorpions 1-0 defeat in the hands of the Syli National of Guinea in their second group C game played at the Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro on Friday.
Aguibou Camara scored the second-half winner for Guinea after tapping in Morgan Guilavogui's pass to lift Kaba Diawara's side up to second position in Group C after two games.
Mohamed Bayo almost doubled the lead for the Syli National but his effort hit the crossbar following Guilavogui's low cross.
Gambian attacker Yankuba Minteh thought he had levelled for the Scorpions with 10 minutes left, but the offside flag was up.
“We now know that it is going to be difficult to qualify but we can still try and beat Cameroon 2-0 and hope to qualify as third place,” said Coach Tom Saintfiet.
He continued: “I am disappointed that we lost the game today. If you do not score goals, you cannot win matches. I cannot blame my players, I love them, I will support them, and I am proud of my players.”
According to him, they selected strong players for the game against Guinea. However, he said the players decided to keep the ball inside Gambia’s half for the first period. He further said that despite the players decision he cannot blame them but rather show them his love and support.
“Yankuba Minteh scored a goal I do not know was offside or a goal, but it would have made a difference. Guinea scored a goal when we were not expecting it because we were in control of the match.”
Meanwhile, The Gambia, who surprisingly reached the quarter finals two years ago is without a point and a goal but a win in their last group match against five-time champions, Cameroon may give them hope of progressing as one of the four best third-placed teams in Ivory Coast.
The Gambia will take on Cameroon in their third and final group C match of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday 23rd January 2024 at 5pm.
