A second draw in the space of 10 years in the COSAFA Cup brought delight to new Seychelles coach Gavin Jeanne as his side scored a late equaliser to hold the Comoros Islands in their opening Group A game in Polokwane on Sunday.

Leeroy Coralie scored to ensure the draw in the second game of the late at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

“It is always very difficult for Seychelles when we come to the COSAFA Cup. Every game is difficult for us being the smallest country in Africa.

“My players have big hearts,” Jeanne said after his competition debut.

He only took over earlier this month as coach

Seychelles last forced a result in the opening match of the 2015 edition when they held eventual winners Namibia to a goalless draw at Moruleng in South Africa’s North West Province.

But in 2016 they lost all three group game, conceding 10 goals without scoring. Last year they were again beaten in three games, once more conceding 10 goals and notching just one of their own.

“The COSAFA Cup level is quiet high. I think for the Seychelles to do well in such competition is very difficult for us.

“We know we don’t have the best quality players. Others are quicker and with better technique but sport sometime is also about fighting. Our focus is just to do our best in every game.”