The Namibian national football team, the Tafel Lager Brave Warriors set foot in Accra, Ghana, marking the beginning of their training camp in preparation for the highly anticipated AFCON tournament, scheduled to commence on January 13th and conclude on the 11th February 2024, in Ivory Coast.
Grouped in E alongside neighboring country South Africa, Mali, and Tunisia, the Brave Warriors are gearing up for a spirited campaign that kicks off on the 16th of January at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, facing Tunisia at 17:00. Subsequent matches include a clash with South Africa on the 21st, followed by Mali on the 24th of January at the Stade de San Pédro, at 20:00 and 17:00, respectively.
The squad, initially comprising 28 players, will undergo selection scrutiny by Head Coach Collin Benjamin, who aims to finalize a list of 23 before the team’s departure for Ivory Coast.
In the goalkeeping department, Loydt Kazapua, Edward Maova, and Kamaijanda Ndisiro stand ready to defend the Brave Warriors’ goal.
The defensive lineup boasts the talents of Ananias Gebhardt, Ryan Nyambe, Riaan Hanamub, Erasmus Ikeinge, Kennedy Amutenya, Denzil Haoseb, Charles Hambira, Aprocious Petrus, Ivan Kamberipa, and Lubeni Haukongo.
In midfield, the team finds strength in Ngero Katua, Romeo Kasume, Marcel Papama, Petrus Shitembi, Prins Tjiueza, and Uetuuru Kambato.
The forward force is spearheaded by Wendell Rudath, Absalom Iimbondi, Erastus Kulula, Edmar Kamatuka, Peter Shalulile, Deon Hotto, Joslin Kamatuka, Bethuel Muzeu, and Junior Petrus.
Amidst their arrival, the team was welcomed by Ghanaian groups, who sang and chanted in a heartwarming reception.
Coach Benjamin, speaking to Ghanaian media, expressed his optimism, stating, “I do not believe the countries drawn in our group pose any greater challenge than others. I have confidence in the abilities of our players to surprise our opponents and create impactful memories in this tournament.”
Captain Ananias Gebhardt echoed the sentiment, affirming the team’s ambition, “We aim to surpass our previous performances and secure advancement past the group stages.”