Belhoussin: "Ain Témouchent gave their best... and we did not perform as required"
Kabylie coach Karim Belhoussin stated that Ain Témouchent played a strong match last Thursday against his team, with the mentality of a team fighting to stay in the competition.
The "Canaries" coach noted that his players did not perform at the required level in the match, which ended with a 1-0 victory for the hosts.
Belhoussin said in this context: "We expected a match of this kind against a newly promoted team that is fighting for survival, and this was a motivational factor for them, which made it difficult for us."
He added in a press conference held after the match, which took place in the third round of the league: "We were prepared for such a scenario. But unfortunately, we were not at our best, whether in duels or in other aspects."
He continued: "A team fighting for survival is usually more cohesive and works hard. Therefore, we should have been present and played with the same enthusiasm... the match resembled a cup game, where the smaller team gives everything they have, and that is what they did against us."
Belhoussin also confirmed that Kabylie was capable of achieving a positive result. He concluded: "We created two clear chances in the first half but could not capitalize on them well, while they won without creating many opportunities, but unfortunately, we conceded the goal from a set piece."
