Various local football pundits have thrown their weight behind the Brave Warriors ahead of their 2024 Total Energy Africa Cup of Nations’ do-or-die encounter against Mali tonight.
The Warriors are in ‘situation crucial’ in Group E, finding themselves third in the standings with three points, a point behind Mali, while South Africa, who beat Namibia 4-0 on Sunday, occupies the second position with three points as well. Tonight, they face a tough test, where they would at least need a draw or a win against the Les Aigles (the Eagles).
Speaking to this publication yesterday on the Warriors’ chances, former Brave Warriors’ midfielder and Okahandja United chairman Congo Hindjou, who was with the 1998 team at Afcon, said with the right approach from the technical team, Namibia can go on to win.
“If Equatorial Guinea can beat Ivory Coast 4-0, then it means we can also beat Mali.
This competition has proven that there are no smaller teams in the tournament, and every team is capable of causing an upset,” he said. “I think with the right approach from Collin Benjamin and his team, we can be able to force a win against the Eagles.
Looking at our performance, we did well, and we only lacked finishers. But if we can learn to convert our chances, I am sure we can pull a point in today’s tie.”
He, however, did not ignore the threat a Mali team could pose against Namibia, saying they have experience. “It won’t be an easy match.
I know how strong Mali are, and if we can take a good approach and stick to the game plan, I am sure we can force a win or a vital point,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Rudolf Bester echoed Hindjou’s sentiments.
“I am sure the coach has a plan for today’s match, and I believe if they stick to the plan, they could prevail against a strong Mali team. I still have confidence in the boys; they showed character in the past two matches, and we just need to pick up from our performance in the first match, although it’s going to be tough,” he added.