WINDHOEK – Fresh from their impressive 2-0 victory against Zambia in their opening match of the 2014 TN Mobile CAF Women’s Championship, the Brave Gladiators mentor Jaqui Shipanga has cautioned her players against complacency ahead of today’s decisive clash against Ivory Coast.
The fired-up Gladiators return to their happy hunting ground tonight to confront a wounded Ivory Coast side in their 2nd match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 20h00. Victory for the Gladiators will all but seal their qualification to the knockout stage of the two-week tourney.
“The entire squad is ready, they are very confident and focused on getting the desired result. At the moment, we have no major injury worries and that’s something positive going into this crucial match,” said the coach.
Shipanga says her team respects the Ivoirians since they are one of the competition’s favourites but insists the hosts are determined to reach the next stage at the expense of their opponents.
“From the beginning, our initial plan was very simple, and that’s to take it game by game playing every match as if it’s our first game. However, with the support of our loyal fans, I’m sure we will deliver a great performance just like we did against Zambia. I’m therefore calling on all Namibians to come out en masse and rally behind our girls – we can do it again.”
Defender Lovisa Mulunga caused a stir when she was stretched off on Saturday with an injury, but has since been reported to be making a steady recovery and should be ready for selection.