Captain courageous

Hardworking midfielder Dynamo Fredericks, who plays his club football for Black Africa, has promised Madagascar a grim battle when they clash with the Brave Warriors on Sunday in the first leg of 2020 African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier.Fredericks will captain the side in the competition that features only locally-based players. The Warriors will face a strong of Madagascar side, who are nicknamed Barea, at the Stade Municipal de Mahamasina in Antananarivo.Fredericks said they are aware of Madagascar's world ranking of 96, compared to their ranking of 121.However, he promised that they will give their opponents a good run for their money and will attack from the outset. “We are mentally and physically prepared for the match. The spirit in the team is great,” said Fredericks.Brave Warriors interim coach Bobby Samaria, who is shepherding the team towards a more attacking approach, said they have so much talent, and it's all about finding the right balance and getting a good result. Some of the local players in the Chan squad, who featured at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt earlier this year, include goalkeeper Ratanda Mbazuvara, defender Ivan Kamberipa and midfielders Marcel Papama, Larry Horaeb and Absalom Iimbondi.They are expected to motivate the rest of the squad with their wealth of experience.Madagascar also have experienced local players, who will also inspire their squad when they face Namibia. Barea are not to be taken lightly. They reached the last-16 at Afcon 2019, surprising friend and foe, while rewriting the history books.The match will kick off at 14:30. The return leg is set for 19 October at the Sam Nujoma Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 16:00.The aggregate winner will qualify for the 2020 Chan finals to be held in Cameroon.LIMBA MUPETAMI

Captain courageous

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Captain courageous

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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