Equatorial Guinea coach Esteban Becker believes his side did not
have the fitness needed to hang on to victory over Congo on Saturday.
The Africa Cup of Nations hosts
drew 1-1
after conceding in the 87th minute of the opening game of the tournament.
Becker, officially appointed only 11 days before the game, said: "We didn't have time to work on the physical side.
"We did let it slip at the end, we were meant to win. But we left a great impression out there."
Equatorial skipper Emilio Nsue put his side ahead early
in the first half but Congo fought back strongly after the interval and
their pressure paid off when Thievy Bifouma struck with three minutes
remaining.
Becker added: "I had 15 days to prepare with them and
there are also a lot of new, young players. It was difficult to plan to
try and peak all the preparations."
However, the Argentine believes the team "still has a chance to get some good results."
Congo's next Group A game is on Wednesday against Burkina Faso, who were surprisingly
beaten 2-0 by Gabon
in their opener on Saturday.