Namibia’s Senior Men National Team, the Tafel Lager Brave Warriors, etched their names into the books of football history with a brilliant performance last night.
Deon Hotto’s decisive goal against Tunisia not only secured a 1-0 victory but also marked Namibia’s inaugural victory in the TotalEnergies AFCON, a historic moment after three previous appearances in 1998, 2008, and 2019.
The clash unfolded at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium in Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire, as part of the AFCON tournament that commenced on the 13th of January 2024 in Abidjan.
In a fiercely contested match, both Namibia and Tunisia couldn’t break the deadlock in the first half, recording a tense 0-0 scoreline. Throughout the game, Namibia showcased their prowess, commanding possession and setting the stage for a historic moment.
In the dying minutes of the second half, Namibia’s emerging talent, Muzeu Bethuel, orchestrated a stellar performance, leading to Deon Hotto’s brilliant header.
Hotto’s goal secured victory and earned him the Player of the Match accolade.
Tunisia fought relentlessly to salvage the match, but the safe hands of Namibia’s net-minder, Loydt Kazapua, stood firm, denying any attempts to level the score.
Namibia now turns its attention to maintaining momentum as the Brave Warriors gear up to face South Africa and Mali on the 21st and 24th of January in Korhogo and San Pedro, respectively.
In Group E standings, Mali leads with 3 points after a 2-0 victory against South Africa, closely followed by Namibia with 3 points. Tunisia and South Africa are bottom of the log.
The Brave Warriors’ triumph is more than a victory; it’s a historic moment that resonates with the spirit and resilience of Namibian football.