Namibia Reach AFCON Last 16 After Mali Stalemate

Namibia made history on Wednesday by securing a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last 16 for the first time following a goalless draw against Group E leaders Mali in San Pedro.

The Brave Warriors will progress as one of the top four third-placed teams and are set to face Angola on Saturday in a crucial match for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Mali clinched the top spot in the group with five points, narrowly ahead of both South Africa and Namibia, while Tunisia was eliminated after another goalless draw in the group’s other match in Korhogo.

Namibia kicked off their AFCON campaign with a surprising 1-0 victory against Tunisia, marking the country’s first-ever win in the tournament. However, a 4-0 defeat to neighboring South Africa meant they needed at least a draw in their final group match to secure a spot in the knockout phase.

In the 16th minute, Prins Tjiueza came close to giving Namibia the lead, but his shot was expertly tipped onto the post by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who also managed to save the subsequent attempt from Peter Shalulile.

Fousseni Diabate’s powerful strike tested Namibia’s goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua, who made a crucial save, while Lassine Sinayoko, a scorer against both South Africa and Tunisia, missed a close-range header.

In a match with few clear-cut opportunities, Namibia’s Kazapua denied Amadou Dante’s late free-kick, ensuring Namibia held on for a valuable point and a place in the next round alongside their already-qualified opponents. The upcoming clash against Angola will now determine their fate in the AFCON quarter-finals.

Reported By AFP