Britz's cubs eye Tunisia
Facing Tunisia on Thursday in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will be a different ball game, says head coach James Britz.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
WINDHOEK
The head coach of the Namibia Under-20 (U-20) men's national side, James Britz, is wary of Tunisia's threat ahead of their second Group B match on Thursday.
Namibia, who are competing at the tournament for the first time, drew one-all with Central Africa Republic (CAR) on Monday afternoon in Mauritania.
The Young Warriors of Namibia put on a tantalising performance in the first half and could have taken the lead in the first half, but luck was not on their side.
CAR, which came into the match in the second half, broke the deadlock with a fine shot at the back from Flory Yangao that flew past the hands of goalkeeper Ngatangue Ruhaka into the back of the net.
It was not until the 84th minute that the hard-running Penouua Kandjii started and finished off a great move down the middle, volleying home into the far-right corner past Stephane Zengba to draw the sides level.
Underdogs show their mettle
“From the word go, we did well. We were in the game. The boys didn't do great by knocking the ball around. We controlled the game. We have never created so many chances in the game like we did on Monday. We just didn't score in the first half even though we had clear chances.
“In the second half, they came into the game. We started playing long balls, which we hadn't trained for. We don't have height; we play the ball better on the ground,” Britz further explained.
He added that they have received positive feedback from football lovers.
“We received positive messages after the match. The people are noticing us. The technical team needs to keep the players motivated. These are kids, but they are doing exceptionally well. We didn't have a great preparation, but they are doing well.
“We didn't qualify by luck, so, Namibians let's support the players, let's not be negative. We will try our utmost best in the second match. Tunisia is a powerhouse of African football. The competition will be tough, but the approach will remain the same,” he added.
Danger man - Tjueza
Namibia's Prince Tjiueza got the man of the match accolade for his fine performance on the day.
As it stands CAR top the group with Namibia in second position, while Tunisia and Burkina Faso played to a goalless draw to take third and fourth place in the standings.
The Young Warriors will conclude their Group B action against Burkina Faso on 21 February.
WINDHOEK
The head coach of the Namibia Under-20 (U-20) men's national side, James Britz, is wary of Tunisia's threat ahead of their second Group B match on Thursday.
Namibia, who are competing at the tournament for the first time, drew one-all with Central Africa Republic (CAR) on Monday afternoon in Mauritania.
The Young Warriors of Namibia put on a tantalising performance in the first half and could have taken the lead in the first half, but luck was not on their side.
CAR, which came into the match in the second half, broke the deadlock with a fine shot at the back from Flory Yangao that flew past the hands of goalkeeper Ngatangue Ruhaka into the back of the net.
It was not until the 84th minute that the hard-running Penouua Kandjii started and finished off a great move down the middle, volleying home into the far-right corner past Stephane Zengba to draw the sides level.
Underdogs show their mettle
“From the word go, we did well. We were in the game. The boys didn't do great by knocking the ball around. We controlled the game. We have never created so many chances in the game like we did on Monday. We just didn't score in the first half even though we had clear chances.
“In the second half, they came into the game. We started playing long balls, which we hadn't trained for. We don't have height; we play the ball better on the ground,” Britz further explained.
He added that they have received positive feedback from football lovers.
“We received positive messages after the match. The people are noticing us. The technical team needs to keep the players motivated. These are kids, but they are doing exceptionally well. We didn't have a great preparation, but they are doing well.
“We didn't qualify by luck, so, Namibians let's support the players, let's not be negative. We will try our utmost best in the second match. Tunisia is a powerhouse of African football. The competition will be tough, but the approach will remain the same,” he added.
Danger man - Tjueza
Namibia's Prince Tjiueza got the man of the match accolade for his fine performance on the day.
As it stands CAR top the group with Namibia in second position, while Tunisia and Burkina Faso played to a goalless draw to take third and fourth place in the standings.
The Young Warriors will conclude their Group B action against Burkina Faso on 21 February.
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