DONAWALD Modise, Namibia’s national futsal men’s team coach has blamed lack of finishing abilities by his players as the key contributory factor to his team’s 2-5 loss in the 2024 Caf Africa Futsal Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday.
Namibia made history last weekend when they played their first futsal international match, squaring it off against Tanzania in the qualifiers of the 2024 Caf Africa Futsal Cup of Nations to be hosted in the Moroccan city of Laayoune from 8 to 17 April.
Namibia fell to Tanzania with a 2-5 loss in front of a packed Sports Plaza at the Windhoek Showgrounds.
Speaking after the match on Saturday, a disappointed tactician said he was impressed with the way the team played against Tanzania. He said the team created many chances, but lacked finishing ability in front of goals.
“I am happy with the performance today, although we failed to convert the many chances we created in both halves.
The boys put on a great performance and gave a good fight against an equally strong Tanzanian team, which controlled the game in the first 10 minutes of the first set. I think we would have to work on our finishing abilities.”
The return leg of this fixture is set for 9 February in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania where the hosts will go into the second leg with a lead. Modise said they must do the work if they are to book a spot at the upcoming continental showpiece.
“We must go back and regroup and work on our shortcomings. I think we also know our opponents and how they play; although it won’t be an easy one given the fact that they will play in front of their home fans, I am confident that the team will get the job done in the second leg,” he said.
Meanwhile, Curtis Reid, the head coach of the Tanzanian team, said the win was massive as it has placed them in good position.
“It was a huge win for us; it was the first time watching the team play together. We played a good game as we placed them in an uncomfortable space in the first 10 minutes, and we managed to contain them by putting balls in front of our goals. The plan worked, and we collected an all-important away win. We will just ensure we build on the win heading forward.”
Also reacting to the match results on Saturday, national futsal coordinator Andrei Tirirau expressed disappointment with the outcome but believes the team can still turn the tide around.
“In futsal, everything is possible, and I am sure the boys will do anything to turn the score around.
Today was unfortunate for them and the country at large, but we are confident that the team will do well,” he added.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na