CAN 2022: Mauritanian Pape Ibnou Ba "expected better" for his first CAN

RFI: Pape Ibnou, we can imagine this is a huge disappointment after this loss to Tunisia (0-4) that eliminates you from the CAN…

Pape Ibnou Ba: Yes, a huge disappointment. It was a difficult match. We were aiming for victory, but we made a poor start with two goals in ten minutes, which made things difficult for us. And it was hard to come back. When we wanted to attack, the Tunisians, with their experience, hit us on the counter-attack, and ultimately, the defeat is heavy. It's a big disappointment. We didn't expect to be eliminated now at all, we really thought we could do something in this CAN. We will play the last match which won't change anything for us and wait for the next qualifiers to return to the Africa Cup of Nations.

How do you explain this catastrophic start?

I won't be able to explain it. Even in our first match against Gambia (0-1), we also made a poor start. We failed to get into the match quickly and the Tunisians were clinical in scoring on their first chances. They showed more desire than us in this opening phase of the match.

► To consult: CAN 2022: match schedule, results and team standings

You made the decision to play for Mauritania a few weeks before the CAN, even though you could also aspire to the Senegal team. Are these not the debuts you hoped for?

Yes, I expected better, it's true, but I don't regret my decision. I made it because I thought I could bring a lot to Mauritania. Unfortunately, I only played two matches, I'm not happy with my performances, but this is just the beginning of an adventure for me with Mauritania.

Are there positive things to take from this CAN?

Yes, it's a first experience at the CAN, and I have learned things nonetheless. I only spent two weeks with the team, it's true that it's difficult to find your footing in so little time, but it allowed me to get to know my teammates better. I didn't know anyone on the team, and I was well welcomed. We had a good gathering, I have good feelings with everyone, it's a shame we're eliminated.