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Namibia/Mali: Namibia’s Amazing Run Continues

todayJanuary 26, 2024 3

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THE Brave Warriors’ class of 2024 continued to rewrite the script and astound critics as they became the first Namibian team in history to reach the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after holding Mali to a goalless draw in San Pedro on Wednesday evening.

Mali, one of the thoroughbred teams on the African continent with an impressive history at Afcon, once again started as heavy favourites, and in fact, had already qualified for the knockout stages, but Namibia rose to the occasion with a spirited and never-say-die display.

With a bit of luck, Namibia, could even have won the match, as Prins Tjiueza’s shot in the 15th minute hit the post, while Peter Shalulile’s effort from the rebound was saved.

More chances were created, as the Warriors went toe-to-toe with Mali, who also had their opportunities, but in the end the two nations battled it out to an enthralling goalless draw.

It was amazing, it was historic, achieved by a team that had once again defied the odds, and at the post match press conference coach Collin Benjamin again paid tribute to his players’ resilience and mental strength.

“At this moment I’m just proud to be Namibian, I’m proud of those players, of their mentality, their character, their hunger and it was just huge what happened today.

“Just a few days ago, we lost a game and for a team that lost 4-0 to bounce back and then achieve this, that is really historic, against a top, top team in Africa, I think we can just talk about character and the mentality of these boys,” he added.

“We created chances, it was dangerous for Mali, it was not easy and I think with a bit of luck, we could have taken the lead, but subsequently it was a good defence, yes, they also had one or two chances, but I think it was really a brilliant game and I think for the spectators it was not a dull 0-0 draw, I think everybody was on their toes and that is what football is about – emotions,” he said.

Benjamin said Namibia’s qualification for the second round was historic, while it also gave renewed hope for the nation.

“Namibia always gets beatings – politically, economically and in a lot of different spheres of our country, so if the Brave Warriors, our soccer team, can bring people together, like they did over the past two weeks, it just shows the power of sport.

“It also shows that as a country, sport unites us and I can tell you, right now, everybody in Namibia has to go to work tomorrow, but they are happy, and every kid, whether it’s a boy or a girl, knows that I’m allowed to dream, it can come true, but I have to work for it – it’s not going to be given to you like that. If they say run 10km, you run 12km, that is the message that this team gave to every Namibian tonight.”