TheCable

Mohamed Kanfory Bangoura, coach of the Guinean national team, is still optimistic of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the ongoing African Nations Championship, despite currently lying third in the group.

Bangoura stated that although Guinea respects Nigeria, all that will be forgotten once the game starts, as they will do all they can to qualify for the next round.

“Of course, we expect a lot from Nigeria. We respect Nigeria but but tomorrow we will give it all to ensure that we advance to the next round,” he said.

Bangoura added that criticism of his players’ form so far will not stop them from aspiring to make it out of the group.

“In whatever way we might have been criticised, in two games we were able to score four goals,” he said.

“All weaknesses noticed in the team have been addressed and taken care of. Nigeria is not a small team but we are ready for the game tomorrow.

“We have our objective going into tomorrow’s game against a great nation like Nigeria. But there won’t be any respect for Nigeria tomorrow‎ because we want to go into the knockout round. We know the Nigerian team and they also know us.”