The Brazilian was happy with the way his team recovered to control the game, especially in the second half.
Robertinho has blamed fatigue for his team’s slow start on Saturday in their 1-0 loss to Guinean giants Athletic Club Horoya in the CAF Champions League.
21-year-old Senegalese striker Pape Ndiaye scored the lone goal to give the Guineans the important win in their Group C opener.
The immediate former Vipers coach says that the team spent long hours connecting flights to the small coastal country in West Africa that borders the Atlantic Ocean. Tanzania borders the Indian Ocean.
“The opponents played well in the first half but my players were tired because they travelled a very long distance,” Robertinho said.
Good recovery
The Brazilian was happy with the way his team recovered to control the game, especially in the second half.
“We made some changes bringing in three players and I’m happy with the performances in the second half. We were compact in the midfield, aggressive, and made three clear opportunities inside the box,” he explained.
Zambian striker Clatous Chama saw his free-kick effort thwarted by Horoya keeper Moussa Camara before missing another one-on-one chance. John Bocco missed two similar opportunities that could, on a good day, earn all three points.
Robertinho is confident that his team will carry that second-half performance into the weekend when they host Raja Casablanca. The Moroccan side tops the table following their 5-0 thrashing of Vipers in Casablanca.
CAF Champions League Matchday 1 - results
Esperance 1-0 Al-Merreikh
Horoya 1-0 Simba
Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Al-Hilal Omdurman
Petro Atletico 0-0 Kabyliea
Raja Casablanca 5-0 Vipers
Zamalek 0-1 CR Belouizdad
Group C fixtures - February 18th, 2023
Vipers SC vs AC Horoya - 4:00 PM
Simba SC vs Raja Casablanca - 7:00 PM
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