The MC Algers head coach admitted that he was afraid prior to playing against Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League.
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For all the possession they had, the Algerian top-flight table-toppers were defeated 1-0 at home by the Buccaneers. El Mouloudia enjoyed 68 percent possession and had 21 shots, but they failed to find the back of the net as Mohau Nkota came off the bench to make the decisive impact.
The result of the game did not go down too well with Algiers boss Khaled Ben Yahia, who admitted to being afraid of Jose Riveiro's charges before the match but was disappointed with their efforts in front of goal.
"I am doubly saddened by the course of the match and the efforts made by the players. We prepared well for the match in all aspects: physically, technically, and even in terms of activating the game," Ben Yahia said after the match, as per Kooora.
"I was very afraid of the match because someone warned me about Orlando, but the truth is, what we did was exceptional. We gave our best effort and put pressure on our opponent from the start, not letting them breathe, and they were unable to break the pressure.
"I've played in the (CAF) Champions League quarter-finals and semi-finals before with Esperance de Tunis, and I know what it means to respect your opponent.
"However, our control of today's match was clear, as evidenced by the numerous chances we missed. All the statistics were in our favour, but we lacked effectiveness.
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"The loss is what hurts. The fans came in force and encouraged us a lot. I feel proud and disappointed at the same time. I am proud of the team and what the players did, and disappointed to lose a quarter-final match. I hope the future will be better."
