‘This Is Not a Big Result, We Could Have Lost’ — SOBEMAP Coach Tinkéu Keeps Feet on Ground
SOBEMAP FC head coach Narcisse Tinkeu has refused to get carried away by his side’s draw against Rangers International, insisting that the result was not enough to celebrate and admitting that the Nigerian side could have won the encounter.
Sports247 reports SOBEMAP held Rangers to a draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie, leaving the contest finely poised ahead of the return fixture.
Tinkeu, however, believes his players must remain realistic rather than emotional about the outcome, while giving credit to the quality of the Rangers side.
“It’s not a big performance; it’s a draw. We don’t need to be emotional. I credit Rangers International; they really have a strong team. We could have lost the game,” Tinkeu told journalists after the encounter.
The SOBEMAP coach acknowledged the difficulty of the tie and admitted that playing the return leg at home would normally provide his team with a significant advantage.
However, the Beninese side will not enjoy the full benefit of home advantage as the second leg will be played in Lomé, Togo, rather than in Benin.
“Playing on our pitch in the next leg should have been an advantage, but we are playing in Lomé, not in Benin,” he explained.
Tinkeu highlighted the importance of supporters in continental football, noting that the presence of a passionate home crowd can provide an additional boost to players during crucial moments.
“The 12th man helps. We will try our best,” he added.
The draw leaves both teams with everything to play for in the second leg, with qualification likely to depend on which side can better handle the pressure and make the most of its opportunities.
For Tinkeu, the message is clear: SOBEMAP must improve, remain disciplined and make the most of whatever advantage they can create in Lomé if they are to overcome Rangers and progress in the CAF Champions League.
Add Comment