Namibia’s senior women’s national field hockey team will have to beat neighbours Zimbabwe in their last group match of the Africa Cup of Nations Field Hockey 2022 in Ghana today to progress to the next round. 

Namibia opened their account by registering a win against Uganda 3-0 in their first game before falling to South Africa 6-0. 

Zimbabwe also beat Uganda (5-0) and lost to South Africa (0-3) in earlier group games, meaning Namibia and Zimbabwe are equal on points.

Speaking to this publication yesterday, skipper Wiandri Ludwig said the game against Zimbabwe will be a tough game. 

“We know Zimbabwe is a really good team. They are going to be great competition, and it is going to be a tough game, but we are motivated to give it our all. I think our whole team is ready to step up their game and work for the team,” she said.

Ludwig said they will play a more attacking game, and with more speed against Zimbabwe, which they failed to do against South Africa when they played more defensively. 

“We definitely stand a chance against them (Zimbabwe). We know how important this game is, and we are focused and ready,” she added.

Meanwhile, the chances of Namibia’s men to go through to the next round were cut short after they lost their two Pool A matches against South Africa (0-13) and Kenya (1-4).

However, they still need to play against the team that finishes third or fourth in Pool B for the purposes of classification at the tournament. 

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na