Namibia record first win at Afcon
Hotto creates history for Brave Warriors
As one of the results of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations so far, Namibia recorded a shock 1-0 win over Tunisia in their Group E opener on Tuesday night, with Deon Hotto making history by recording their first win at the tournament.
There was joy in Group E at the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday as Namibia claimed a stunning 1-0 victory over powerhouse Tunisia.
A Deon Hotto header in the 88th minute sealed the deal for Namibia, but credit also goes to Betheul Muzeu’s perfect cross which created a scoring chance.
Namibia’s win is the first ever at the continental finals and was fully deserved as they spurned numerous opportunities to defeat the third-ranked Tunisians by a larger margin.
Head coach of Namibia’s Brave Warriors, Collin Benjamin said the win brought on an ecstatic feeling that he can’t describe. “I am proud to be Namibian and be a coach of these players. We were never really given a chance. We are just happy that we could go on the field and play a good match and win.
“I can only imagine what is happening in the streets of Namibia right now. This victory is dedicated to them,” added Benjamin.
Two Namibian local coaches, Woody Jacobs and Paulus Shipanga chirmed in on this win with Jacobs stating that Tuesdays match was one of the best performances if not the best performance under Benjamin thus far. “This performance even surpass the victory over Cameroon in the qualification round. It was a well-balanced team selection and throughout the game the brave warriors never looked like losing.
“For the first time in a long time we were good in possession, launched attack after attack and looked very organized and composed in defence.
“I could not fault one player, everyone gave their 100%. Even the substitutes came and delivered. Well done to everyone the coaching staff the players and the all other stakeholders that ensured the best preparation for the team.
Shipanga added that it was a marvellous match to watch. “The approach was good. The Warriors had a problem on the right wing but they sorted it out. The opportunities they created could have killed the match off, but that’s fine it was their opening match.
The second match will see Namibia facing neighbours South Africa (SA) on Sunday. Shipanga said the South Africans are slow and the Namibians should capitalise on that. He added that the majority of Namibians ply their trade in SA and are accustomed to their playing style.
“The South Africans are wounded they will come guns blazing,” said Shipanga.
SA lost 0-2 against Mali in their Group E opener.
A Deon Hotto header in the 88th minute sealed the deal for Namibia, but credit also goes to Betheul Muzeu’s perfect cross which created a scoring chance.
Namibia’s win is the first ever at the continental finals and was fully deserved as they spurned numerous opportunities to defeat the third-ranked Tunisians by a larger margin.
Head coach of Namibia’s Brave Warriors, Collin Benjamin said the win brought on an ecstatic feeling that he can’t describe. “I am proud to be Namibian and be a coach of these players. We were never really given a chance. We are just happy that we could go on the field and play a good match and win.
“I can only imagine what is happening in the streets of Namibia right now. This victory is dedicated to them,” added Benjamin.
Two Namibian local coaches, Woody Jacobs and Paulus Shipanga chirmed in on this win with Jacobs stating that Tuesdays match was one of the best performances if not the best performance under Benjamin thus far. “This performance even surpass the victory over Cameroon in the qualification round. It was a well-balanced team selection and throughout the game the brave warriors never looked like losing.
“For the first time in a long time we were good in possession, launched attack after attack and looked very organized and composed in defence.
“I could not fault one player, everyone gave their 100%. Even the substitutes came and delivered. Well done to everyone the coaching staff the players and the all other stakeholders that ensured the best preparation for the team.
Shipanga added that it was a marvellous match to watch. “The approach was good. The Warriors had a problem on the right wing but they sorted it out. The opportunities they created could have killed the match off, but that’s fine it was their opening match.
The second match will see Namibia facing neighbours South Africa (SA) on Sunday. Shipanga said the South Africans are slow and the Namibians should capitalise on that. He added that the majority of Namibians ply their trade in SA and are accustomed to their playing style.
“The South Africans are wounded they will come guns blazing,” said Shipanga.
SA lost 0-2 against Mali in their Group E opener.
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