THE Teranga Lions of Senegal became the first high profile casualty in the 2012 African Nations Cup. The Lions unexpectedly lost to Zambia 2-1 in their opening game and also suffered the same fate in the hands of the co-host, Equatorial Guinea, who surprising were the first team to berth in the second round.If anyone had predicted that the star-studded Senegalese team would crash in the first round, he would have been labelled a prophet of doom and one who lacks football knowledge. But the Lions, who were tipped to be among the best three failed woefully at the first hurdle.They had the services of top players from Europe. The likes of Demba Ba, Pappis Cisse among many others were expected to shine but failed to rise up to the occasion when it mattered most. They came late into both games but could still have salvaged some points but instead threw away scoring chances when they hand their grips on the games.So, when the Lions file out against Libya in their last group game, they would be playing for pride and hope that they leave the championship on a high. The Senegalese coach, Amara Traore, who was visibly disappointed with his team's performance after their loss to Equatorial Guinea, has set sights on a winning farewell at their campaign at the competition.The coach feels that a victory over Libya will be the perfect goodbye to the 28th edition of the continental showpiece soccer event.He said of their loss to Nzalang Nacional: 'We prepared very well for this game and we had many opportunities. We were just unlucky tonight (Wednesday). I am very happy for my players because they gave everything.'I am very disappointed with our current state because we deserved to win something at this tournament. It is frustrating for some of the players who are playing at the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. We hope to win our last match and bow out with our heads high.'Captain Mamadou Niang added that ill luck was their undoing in a game they dominated, stating: 'We had the better chances but were unlucky. I feel sad for the team. We are a young team, where about 70 per cent are making their debut.'We all failed together and won't single out any player for blame. It is from such disappointments that you can correct your mistakes.'The Elephants of Cote D'ivoire are yet to show that they are at the Nations Cup to win. Though, they have also booked their place in the quarter finals, their array of stars would have to improve their game to make further progress in the competition. Coach Francois Zahoui said that result rather than beautiful football is important to him'My team may play badly but I am concerned about winning,' Zahoui said. He is right now a happy man having secured a quarterfinal ticket but he is also aware that his team must raise it game in the knockout stage.Ghanaians also look compact but the Black Stars are yet to show the champion stuff they are made off. They defeated Botswana in their first game but it was evident that they struggled especially when John Mensah was sent off for a professional foul.Meanwhile, Asamoah Gyan has said that his team would not underrate any side in the ongoing continental showpiece after some shocking results. Gyan is convinced that the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations will be full of shocks.Following the exit of Senegal and some other surprises recorded, the Al Ain forward has warned his teammates to guard against complacency.'I predicted that there would be a lot of surprises in this competition, and already we have seen some,' the on loan Sunderland marksman told the press ahead of their opening group fixture against debutants Botswana on Tuesday afternoon.'There will be more. That is why Ghana will not underrate any team in this tournament.'Also, Sudan and Gabon side made up of home grown players are showing that they can do well and it would be seen how well they go in the competition. For the Libyans, they showed better understanding of the game forcing Zambia to a 2-2 draw in the second game a dreadful performance in their opening game.All the teams that eventually make it to the second round would have to deploy more tactics to make progress in the tournament.
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