Now-former Tunisia manager Jalel Kadri has explained why he decided to quit his role after the 0-0 stalemate with Bafana Bafana on Wednesday night.
The draw with Bafana Bafana saw the Carthage Eagles finish the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finish bottom of Group E with just two points, forcing them to exit the competition early.
Tunisia needed victory against the South Africans to stand a chance of progressing to the round of 16, but it was not to be as they came up against a resilient Bafana that needed only a point to secure their spot in the next stage.
Kadri has since described the draw as a defeat, highlighting that his team gave it their all, and apologising to their entire nation for coming up short in this year's edition of the continental showpiece.
"It was clear that the team tried their best. Despite the defeat, we gave it our best. During the first half, we tried but couldn't break them. We saw some weaknesses in their attack and tried to win," Kadri said at a post-match press conference, per CAF.
"We were not so productive. We had tactical problems in the first game, but we have to take responsibility for this defeat."
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The Carthage Eagles suffered a 1-0 defeat to Namibia on the opening day of the tournament, and according to Kadri, the loss had a long-lasting effect on the side's mental fortitude, and also explained his decision to resign from the team.
"We were not successful today against South Africa. We suffered on the offensive level, and I bear full responsibility. I was not harsh on the players," the coach added, per beIN Sports via Kooora.
"The Namibia match affected the mental aspect of the players, and its loss was not taken into account.
"We tried to have a strong reaction after the loss, but it was not enough today to secure the qualification ticket.
"My contract with the Tunisian Federation stipulates that if we do not reach the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations, the contract ends, and I decided not to continue after today's match."
AFCON 2023 has already seen a few managers forfeit their roles within their respective teams. Jean-Louis Gasset left his role Ivory Coast manager after the Elephants suffered two consecutive defeats in the group stage, despite making a positive start to the tournament. They have, however, qualified for the round of 16.
Ghana manager Chris Houghton was sacked on Tuesday night, while Adel Amrouche was fired by Tanzania for comments he made towards the Moroccan national team following the side's 3-0 defeat to the Atlas Lions.
Tom Saintfiet is another manager who handed in his resignation, opting to part ways with Gambia on Tuesday after the side failed to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.
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