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“The first game in every competition is key to qualification to the next round. If you win,  you are on course and it takes some pressure off you for the remaining games,” the Brazilian coach said at a press conference on the eve of           their opening clash against the co-hosts in the coastal city of Bata.
The Libyan coach is very much aware of the total support their opponents will be enjoying playing in front of their teeming fans at the Estadio de Bata and reckons that they are bracing up for the challenge.

“It will be a difficult game playing against the host team. They are playing at home and everybody will be rooting for them.”
On the Nzalang Nacional, who are handled by his compatriot Gilson Paulo, he said: “I have no knowledge about them. I know they have a new coach and have some players of Brazilian background in their squad.

“As far as the group is concerned, we are at par as Senegal and Zambia are the favourites to go through.”
The coach added that he is looking forward to the game and counting on the exposure of some members of his squad, who ply their trade in foreign leagues.

On qualification for the tournament, Paqueta describes it as his best moment as coach of the 1982 losing finalists of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Last year was a difficult one for all Libyans and we had to honour some of our matches away from home. Participation at the tournament means a lot to the players and all Libyans.

“It presents a perfect opportunity to bring back joy and heal the wounds of Libyans after all the troubles.”
The Libyans will later play Zambia on January 25 before wrapping up against Senegal four days later all in Bata. — Cafonline.com.