Atlas Lions’ coach Hervé Renard said that he is fully responsible for Morocco’s shock exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Reuters reported.
«I'm responsible for this defeat. I salute Benin for winning. They played according to a specific strategy and it worked while we didn't find solutions», Renard said after Benin won 4-1 on post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw.
«We knew it was going to be a tough match because Benin managed to beat Algeria in the qualifiers. They also managed to draw against teams like Cameroon and Ghana here in the group stage».
«We could have won but we failed. We had great expectations but always had difficulties against those who adopt a defensive approach», the French coach added.
@Herve_Renard_HR après la déroute face à l’ @equipedubenin ‘ j’assume toute la responsabilité’#MARBEN #CAN2019 #Maroc pic.twitter.com/GA0gWRHeKZ
— Arryadia TV officiel (@arryadiatv) 5 juillet 2019
«I have been in Morocco for three and half years but now we have to go back home to think of the coming period. I thank the supporters who stood behind us from day one and we have to move forward and remember the positive things», he concluded.
For the record, the Atlas Lions left the competition, Friday, after an exhausting game with Benin.