Deon Hotto scored the only goal of the match to secure Namibia a 1-0 win in the opening AFCON Group E clash at Amadou Gon Coulibaly on Tuesday.
It was Namibia’s first-ever win in the CAF continental showpiece in their fourth appearance for Namibia.
The “Brave Warriors” had five players who ply their trade in South Africa led by Mamelodi Sundowns forward Peter Shalulile in the starting line-up.
NAMIBIA START AFCON CAMPAIGN WITH A WIN AGAINST TUNISIA
Tunisia applied pressure in the opening minutes of the match, but the Namibian defence remained stubborn. Peter Shalulile posed a threat in the seventh minute, but his shot inside the box found Bechir Ben Said well-positioned.
Shalulile wasted a glorious opportunity a minute later after a good combination with Deon Hotto. His shot was saved by Ben Said. The Namibians were the better side in the half but failed to punish their North African opponents.
Tunisia were the better side towards the end of the half but failed to break the Namibian defence. The match went to the half-time break at 0-0.
The “Eagles of Carthage” began the second half, where they left off in the first 45 minutes. They immediately posed a threat to the Tunisia defense but Loydt Kazapua produced a stunning save to deny them a lead.
Shalulile was inches away from getting the lead four minutes into the second half but failed to connect from a superb cross from Absalom Iimbondi.
KEEPER LOYDT KAZAPUA DENIES THE TUNISIANS WITH EXCELLENT SAVES
Kazapua showed some good defensive play after anticipating a counterattack from Tunisia. Moments later, Shalulile again failed to find the back of the net after a neat cross from Hotto but miscued his shot. Kazapua produced another breathtaking save with 10 minutes remaining to keep Namibia in the game.
Substitute Bethuel Muzeu’s cross found Hotto unmarked to give the Namibians a lead with two minutes remaining. Namibia’s next group match will be against Bafana Bafana on Sunday, while Tunisia will face Mali on Saturday.
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