Maqonda Ndlovu
The Brave Warriors gallantly fought to hold off Bafana Bafana to a nil-all draw in a friendly international game that was played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
In a match that was poorly attended, Namibia were the first to threaten when striker Bethuel Muzeu, who plays for Black Leopard South Africa, evaded the host’s defence, but his finishing let him down as he dragged his shot wide in the fourth minute.
South Africa was the next to attack. Two minutes later, Bathusi Aubaas’ shot was punched into safety by man of the match Lloydt Kazapua, following great work by Burnley striker Lyle Foster.
The Brave Warriors continued with the goal attempts, as both wingers Deon Hotto and Absolom Iimbondi tested Bafana goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, while Namibia had Kazapua’s outstretched left leg to thank, as he stopped a deflected goal-bound shot for a corner kick.
That save from the Namibia goalkeeper saw the two teams go into halftime level at nil-all.
South Africa made a triple change at the start of the second half, and that swung the advantage in their favour, as they started dominating the match, putting the visitors under pressure.
Several chances went begging for the hosts as Namibia’s defence held on for a second successive draw between the two teams in the last two months.
Speaking after the match, coach Collin Benjamin said his team was disciplined, knowing that they were playing against a good team.
“We had three chances in the first half that we did not take – and at this level, those are rare. It is something that we have to look at. South Africa tested us in the second half. It was a well-deserved draw,” Benjamin said.
The coach said the absence of Peter Shalulile was evident, saying the chance that was missed by Muzeu could have been a goal had it been his captain in that position.
“A striker of his quality is difficult to replace. Even his club is finding it difficult to replace him. These are opportunities that the young ones should take. Next time, he will know what to do,” Benjamin said.
He said it is now for Namibia to take the next step and identify options, circulate the ball well, and try to unlock the opponents and score goals.
Benjamin said he will now turn his attention to the Chan, as Namibia is set to play on 22 September.