Namibia’s Brave Warriors are looking to punch far beyond their underdog tag when they square off against continental giants Cameroon in tomorrow’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier, away at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé.
Speaking to New Era Sport ahead of the clash, Warriors’ veteran left-back Ananias Gebhardt said they have used the past few weeks to ensure they put in the required work to give as much as they get from a formidable Cameroonian side.
“I am feeling excited and motivated, although we have a huge task ahead of us. When it comes to matches against bigger nations, you obviously feel motivated and want to do more, and one can really see that the team is working hard and our objective is to win the match,” said the Baroka FC defender.
Gebhardt is optimistic that they have what it takes to contain the former African champions, as the Namibians too have a huge assignment of bolstering their chances of reaching the Afcon finals.
“With big matches such as the upcoming one, as players, we already feel motivated and ready to take on the task. Our objective is to win and we have to do everything possible to ensure we win the match.”
Young enterprising striker Bethuel Muzeu Muzeu was also in agreement with his senior teammate, saying they are well prepared and ready to throw the entire kitchen sink towards the favourites – Cameroon.
“This will be one of our toughest encounters, but I think the team is ready. I have played here before, and I believe we are capable of doing something to please the fans back home. We have nothing to lose, as they will be the favourites. That’s why we will go all the way to get the win we want,” added the young forward.
After tomorrow’s first leg in Yaoundé, the Namibians will return to South Africa to face Cameroon for the second leg of their Afcon qualifiers at the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 28 March.
Namibia currently sit in third place in their group, behind second-placed Burundi, who are tied at a single point with the Warriors after two games. Cameroon lead the group with three points from a single match.
The Brave Warriors squad: Loydt Kazapua, Edward Maova, Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Ryan Nyambe, Ivan Kamberipa, Kennedy Amutenya, Charles Hambira, Riaan Hanamub, Ananias Gebhardt, Denzil Haoseb, Brandon Neibeb, Dynamo Fredericks, Devin Somaeb, Ngero Katua, Marcel Papama, Prins Tjiueza, Edmar Kamatuka, Absalom Iimbondi, Joslin Kamatuka, Deon Hotto, Wendell Rudath, Petrus Junior, Peter Shalulile, Bethuel Muzeu Muzeu and Elmo Kambindu.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na