Hage Mohamed (Africa Sports coach): "I'm short of experienced players for promotion to Ligue 1"

Three games and still no defeats for Africa Sports d'Abidjan's new coach. After his side's 1-1 draw with Ouragahio on Saturday 12 November at the Stade Biaka Boda in Gagnoa, Hage Mohamed looked back on the performance, as well as on his new life in Côte d'Ivoire and his ambitions.

Coach, what are your thoughts on the draw with ASC Ouragahio?

I'd say we got away with a point on the road, because we were indeed playing away from home, even though the crowd was behind us. We're staying in touch with the leaders, 6 points off the pace as we speak. There's still plenty of time before the end of the season. You know, we take it one game at a time. The moment the referee blows the final whistle, we have to start preparing for the next match.

We've noticed your team struggles late in games. How do you explain that?

Indeed. Our big problem is that we're short physically. We had two games to prepare for. We had a training session on Thursday 10 November 2022 and a tactical run-through on Friday 11 November 2022 to get ready for the match of 12 November. That's not enough, but it's an infrastructure problem. We don't have the pitch the way we want it, when we want it, so we try to adapt.

That's now three games unbeaten for you. Is that satisfying?

Yes, to be honest with you, it is. We know how tough this Ligue 2 is. On top of that, we have a status to live up to. We're the 2nd most successful club in Côte d'Ivoire, with three African cups in the trophy cabinet. A reference point in sub-Saharan Africa. It's a status we have to live up to. Every team that plays us treats it as the game of their lives.

How do you find working conditions in Côte d'Ivoire?

Working conditions in Côte d'Ivoire aren't difficult. They're the same as in the three African countries where I've worked. I'm adapting well. That's African football. I know the motivations and circumstances of these players who live in Africa, for whom football is the only way out. They're ready to run themselves into the ground on the pitch to get noticed and move to a big club in Europe, or even another major league in Africa. It's tough, but it's up to us to live up to our Africa Sports status, as I said.

What's your view on the refereeing, which is often criticised by everyone?

Referees are human beings like us. They have the right to make mistakes. Today (12 November 2022, editor's note), they officiated the game according to their own judgement and their own feelings. I don't think they were bribed by the opposition. It's up to us to accept the laws of the game.

Do you think you have the squad needed for promotion?

I'd say yes and no. Yes, because we're a big club that has to do what it takes whatever the conditions. No, because in certain positions I'm still short of players, especially those with a certain amount of experience and the tactical know-how to manage the closing stages of games, unlike the youngsters.

Interview by Sanh Séverin