A win in today’s final-round qualifier of the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations could mark a significant turning point for Namibian women’s football, as the country’s Brave Gladiators will be fighting to secure a spot at the continental competition.
With all the boardroom politics and infightings that have engulfed local football, Gladiators’ coach Woody Jacobs told New Era Sport that they have a huge responsibility to beat the Copper Queens of Zambia and book their place in Morocco for this year’s AWCON.
Jacobs believes beating Zambia and qualifying for the AWCON will go a long way in restoring the image and pride of Namibian football.
“Obviously, the nerves are creeping in and the anxiety is there because this is a big one for us, and it’s one that we need to win. We have to win this match and qualify for the sake of our football, and for our people back home. I strongly believe in this team, and once they get going for this battle, I know for sure our girls will come out tops,” he said confidently.
Namibia’s Brave Gladiators held the Copper Queens to a goalless draw in the first leg of the competition last Wednesday in Zambia.
The second and final leg of their qualifiers will take place at the Dobsonville stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. The winner will automatically secure qualification to the 2022 AWCON that will run from 2-23 July. It also doubles as the African qualifiers to the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
In terms of injuries, the coach said they are free of any injuries, and that will serve them well against a very tough Zambian side.
“We got some bruises from the first leg, but all that has been sorted, and we go into this match with a clean sheet in terms of injuries. The tricky part is that we have to wait for the players’ Covid-19 results, and then take it from there.”
Zambia previously reached the 2014 and 2018 editions of the AWCON, while Namibia’s only appearance came in 2014 when the country hosted the tournament.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na