Maurice Kambukwe

Brave Warriors head coach Bobby Samaria yesterday admitted that the hope of Namibia qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is all but over, after Guinea – who will play the Warriors this Sunday – defeated Mali 1-0 on Wednesday night to secure qualification ahead of Namibia.

Along with Mali, who were the first team from Group A to secure qualification to the 2021 Afcon finals, Guinea on Wednesday became the second team from the group to book their place. 

Namibia were hoping for a Guinea defeat against Mali on Wednesday as that would have boosted their qualification chances ahead of Sunday’s match. But with Wednesday win over Mali, Guinea sealed their Afcon destiny and automatically dashed Namibia’s chances of qualification ahead of Sunday’s match. 

Sunday’s encounter, which will basically be dead rubber match, will see the Warriors host the visiting Guineans at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 15h00 and the match will be broadcast live on NBC TV. No spectators will be allowed into the stadium due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“We were banking our hopes on Mali and I believe they gave it their all against Guinea, but unfortunately things did not go our way. Heading into Sunday’s encounter, we will just use the game to prepare the team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers lined up for later this year. The match will also help us improve our overall rankings,” said Brave Warriors gaffer Samaria.

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na