Namibia’s Brave Five endured a difficult Wednesday night after going down 11–3 to Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in the first leg of their Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund. 

Libya took control of the encounter early and went into the halftime break with a 4–2 advantage, before pulling away in the second half to open up a commanding eight-goal aggregate cushion ahead of the return leg. 

Despite the setback, Brave Five head coach Marcos Antunes urged patience and continued support for the young squad, stressing that development does not happen overnight. 

“Progress needs time, and the country needs to support these kids. We still have one more match to play. The most important thing is Namibia, and the respect other countries will give to us. Even the Libyan coach said he did not expect our attitude and character in this match,” he said. 

Antunes added that results should not define the team’s overall trajectory. “We are not the best team when we beat Kenya, and we are not the worst when we lose to Libya,” he added. 

The Brave Five are now set to travel to Libya for the return leg, scheduled to take place between 7 and 8 February. The winners on aggregate will book their place at the Morocco 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Futsal Africa Cup of Nations finals, set for April. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na