Namibia’s national futsal team, the Brave 5, won the first leg of their African Cup of Nations (Afcon) Futsal qualifiers 8-4 against Kenya last Friday at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund. 

Matias Roberto scored the first goal for Namibia, followed by Francisco Solunga and Wesley Otto in the first half. 

Namibia showed good attacking intent and control during the opening stages of the match. 

The team continued their scoring streak in the second half, with George Haikali scoring one goal and captain Ken Salote scoring four to seal the emphatic win. 

Kenya’s goals were scored by Mike Otieno and Anas Sheik in the first half, followed by Mohamed Yusuf and Anas Sheik again in the second half. 

Despite the scoreline, Kenya remained competitive and took advantage of a few defensive lapses by the Namibian side. 

Head coach Marcos Antunes said he was happy that his team won, adding that the match allowed him to get to know his players better. 

He admitted that the game was not easy, but said the focus now shifts to preparing for the second leg against Kenya with the same attitude and determination. 

“I am very happy. We have won, and now we prepare to win in Kenya,” Antunes said. 

Captain of the team, Ken Salote, said it was an intense but good game, as the results show. 

He acknowledged that the team conceded some goals, but said the players stayed motivated and continued to push forward until the final whistle. 

“The nation can expect a win in Kenya. We are going to finalise what we started,” Salote said. 

The Brave 5 will now look to securing another victory against Kenya in the second leg of the Afcon futsal qualifiers, scheduled for 28 January in Nairobi, Kenya, as they aim to book their place in the next round of the competition. 

-hnalupe@nepc.com.na