Warriors restore national pride

WINDHOEK-HECTOR MAWONGA

Namibia was ten minutes away from recording a famous victory over Nigeria in a 2014 World Cup match on Wednesday.
This, after Deon Hotto came off the bench to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 77th minute, only for Nigeria to equalise through Godfrey Oboabona in the 83rd minute.
Despite failing to record a win to remain in the hunt to win the group, the Brave Warriors gave a five-star performance that belied their 120th rank in the FIFA standings when compared to Nigeria, who are ranked 31st in the world.
After overcoming a shaky start - which saw goalkeeper Virgil Vries making three point-blank saves in the first half - Namibia really stepped up the tempo in the second half.
Midfielders Neville Tjiueza, Denzil Haoseb and Petrus Shitembi consistently outmuscled the Nigerians while Willem Mwedihanga and new defensive partner Chris Katjiukua dealt well with the aerial balls.
Larry Horaeb and Freedom Puriza were equally on point in the wingback positions, with Pineas Jacob and Lazarus Kaimbi proving tricky on the wings.
While Tangeni Shipahu's touch let him done at times, his effort can also not be discounted.
All in all, the match proved that the team was willing to fight for each other as substitutes Deon Hotto, who replaced Kaimbi, and Willy Stephanus, in for Jacob, also put their best foot forward.

Full circle

But the day will undoubtedly always be remembered for Hotto's goal, which was the first against the Nigerians in four competitive clashes.
The player's goal was all the more significant because at the same time last year Hotto was a virtual unknown campaigning in the country's first division.
But since joining Namibia Premier League (NPL) club African Stars at the start their pre-season training in August last year, the player has captured the imagination of football fans; much to the surprise of even his club officials.
"We knew of his abilities and talent, having signed him from [first-division side] Blue Boys... but he surprised with the performances that have seen him reach the highest level, which is the national team. That shows his commitment," said Stars' team manager, Lesley Kozonguizi, yesterday.
Commitment is certainly what the player displayed on Wednesday, positioning himself superbly to score from a delightful Shitembi cross.
And that goal means that Hotto has now come full circle in his short elite career.
Meanwhile, Brave Warriors caretaker coach Ricardo Mannetti refused to take credit for Wednesday's accomplished performance; instead insisting that the crowd played a great role.
"I have to give credit to everyone that turned up tonight (Wednesday)... And the credit must go to all the fans and the boys," he said after the match,adding that the team played with a plan.
"The boys followed the instructions because that was the plan," he said of the team's hard-running style on the night.
As for the result, Mannetti explained that although a draw was good, he was hoping for a better scoreline.
"If you had told me at the start to take a draw, I'd be happy with that. But after scoring, I was hoping that we could hold on," he said.
As things stand, Namibia managed to stop Nigeria from winning the group, with the Super Eagles now having to wait until September to secure top spot when they host Malawi.