2019 AFCON: How I Felt After Algeria’s Mahrez Scored Stunning Free-Kick – Akpeyi

Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has admitted that himself and his teammates were sad after Algeria’s Riyald Mahrez scored a stunning last minute free-kick on Sunday.

Nigeria lost 2-1 to Algeria in a semi-final clash at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 with many fans saying Akpeyi could have done better with Mahrez’s winner.

While reacting to the defeat, Akpeyi said it was a big disappointment for the team to lose the game with the free-kick.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper, however, said he would focus on the future.

“It’s very tough and very sad that we have to lose in that manner, to have conceded through that kind of free-kick, hard-luck played its part in the Super Eagles Sunday night defeat to Algeria,” he said.

“I wish there can be a replay, but it’s over now and we have to look up to the third-place game,”

“So far, it doesn’t matter whatever anyone would say about the team. These players have actually tried. A lot of teams have been knocked out of this competition but we are still here.”

“We have very young talent and I’m very sure if this team can be given a chance, we’ll be able to fix things.”

Odion Ighalo had earlier gotten the West Africans on level terms after trailing to a Troost-Ekong own goal in the first half before Mahrez last-minute free-kick.

Meanwhile, Williams Troos Ekong has sent out a ‘Thank you’ message to Nigerian for showing support for the national team seine the group stage of this year’s biennial competition which started in June.

“Thank you for all your support,” the Eagles centre back posted online as he called for a continued support till the Eagles last match against Tunisia.

“Let’s push one more time Wednesday!” he added on his tweeter handle.

The Super Eagles has won each of their six third-place games in Nations Cup, while keeping a clean sheet in four of these ties.