The Brave Warriors of Namibia triumphed over a spirited Lesotho side with a 2-1 victory in their second match of Group C of the Cosafa Cup, held yesterday at the Issac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha, South Africa. 

This marks Namibia’s first win in the tournament, boosting their standing in the group.

Namibia’s goals were netted by defender Ivan Kamberipa in the first half, and forward Bethuel Muzeu in the second half. 

The match kicked off with the Namibians aggressively pressing forward, looking to gain an early advantage. However, Lesotho matched their intensity, disrupting the Warriors’ play effectively.

In the eighth minute, Lesotho posed a significant threat to Namibia’s goal with a well-struck low shot by Kathleho Makateng, which narrowly missed the target. 

The game quickly became physical, with frequent stoppages. Namibia’s Edmund Kambanda received a yellow card in the 20th minute for a foul on a Lesotho player. Namibia continued to dominate, adhering closely to their tactical instructions and showcasing impressive individual performances. Charles Hambira stood out in defence, though he was fouled by Makateng in the 14th minute, earning the Lesotho player a yellow card. 

Muzeu was particularly influential in the first half, consistently troubling the Lesotho defence. In the 35th minute, he unleashed a powerful low shot that the Lesotho goalkeeper managed to save.

Richard Namib also made a notable contribution, taking a well-placed free kick in the 26th minute, which was saved by Moerane Sekhoane. 

A subsequent corner kick awarded to Namibia saw Kamberipa capitalise on the opportunity. Positioned advantageously in open space, he blasted in a goal from Namib’s excellent corner delivery in the 38th minute, putting Namibia ahead.

Before the first half concluded with Namibia leading 1-0, Erastus Kulula received a yellow card for a foul. Despite Lesotho having seven shots on target compared to Namibia’s five, the latter dominated possession with 52% to Lesotho’s 48%. The second half commenced shakily for both teams. Namibia aimed to extend their lead, while Lesotho pressed hard to equalise. Their efforts paid off in the 54th minute when Neo Mokhachane scored, levelling the match. 

However, Namibia regained
the lead in the 70th minute, thanks to a low shot from Muzeu that beat the Lesotho goalkeeper.

In the 80th minute, Erastus Kulula made a promising run towards Lesotho’s goal, but his attempt from an awkward position hit the side-netting after the goalkeeper came out to block the ball. Despite both sides creating further chances, the match ended in Namibia’s favour.

Namibia’s Aprocius Petrus was named Player of the Match, and praised his team’s effort in containing Lesotho. “There was great fighting spirit shown by the team. The boys did well,” he said.

Warriors’ head coach Collin Benjamin acknowledged the challenge posed by Lesotho. “They took everything we had. It was a physical match, and they just kept pushing. Matches like these are essential for player growth. We created chances, which shows the team is alive. However, we need to learn to capitalise on those opportunities,” he commented. The coach added that the team would rest today, and prepare to face Seychelles in their final group match tomorrow.

Lesotho’s head coach Leslie
Notsi praised his players’ performance, despite the loss. “They were unlucky to concede. But when we equalised, it gave the players hope. Namibia played a very physical game, managing to disrupt our play. The pitch conditions also contributed to our loss, but there are many positives we can take from this match,” he said.

Namibia’s results so far include a goalless draw in their opening match against Angola last Friday, despite strong efforts from both sides. In the other Group C match, Angola defeated Seychelles 3-2. As it stands, Namibia leads the group with four points, ahead on goal difference. Angola also has four points and sits in second place, followed by Lesotho in third with one point, and Seychelles in fourth, also with one point. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na