It's all-or-nothing
Tonight's crucial Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier between the Brave Warriors and Os Mambas of Mozambique can play a significant part in the final outcome of Group K.
The return leg is a must-win for the Brave Warriors, if they want to cement their position as favourites to win the group and ultimately qualify for the 2019 Afcon finals in Cameroon. Namibia's chances of qualifying have been boosted by the fact the Confederation of African (CAF) has increased the number of participants from an initial 16 to 24. This effectively means that the top two teams in each group will automatically earn a spot at the Cameroon tourney. There is no two ways about it. Namibia must win this match tonight, considering that Guinea-Bissau now tops the group with seven points following their narrow 2-1 victory over Zambia on Sunday evening. The fact that Namibia still has to play Zambia away and host group favourites Guinea-Bissau leaves no room for complacency. Without a doubt the 2-1 win away from home in Maputo this past Saturday was huge confidence booster for Ricardo Mannetti and his charges and gave us a lifeline for our qualification aspirations. Ensuring a double over Mozambique will definitely sway the group in our favour. With an in-form Deon Hotto, the return of Peter Shalulile, Petrus Shitembi, Awilo Stefanus and Benson Shilongo, the squad has huge depth upfront and history favours the home side, given the fact that Mozambique is yet to beat Namibia at home. But history counts little in football. What is important is match-day preparedness and for the boys to fire on all cylinders in front of thousands of Namibians, who will be rallying behind them at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. A second victory against Mozambique will be of great advantage to Namibia and our chances of qualifying for a third Afcon championship. We can ill-afford to fluff this golden opportunity.
The return leg is a must-win for the Brave Warriors, if they want to cement their position as favourites to win the group and ultimately qualify for the 2019 Afcon finals in Cameroon. Namibia's chances of qualifying have been boosted by the fact the Confederation of African (CAF) has increased the number of participants from an initial 16 to 24. This effectively means that the top two teams in each group will automatically earn a spot at the Cameroon tourney. There is no two ways about it. Namibia must win this match tonight, considering that Guinea-Bissau now tops the group with seven points following their narrow 2-1 victory over Zambia on Sunday evening. The fact that Namibia still has to play Zambia away and host group favourites Guinea-Bissau leaves no room for complacency. Without a doubt the 2-1 win away from home in Maputo this past Saturday was huge confidence booster for Ricardo Mannetti and his charges and gave us a lifeline for our qualification aspirations. Ensuring a double over Mozambique will definitely sway the group in our favour. With an in-form Deon Hotto, the return of Peter Shalulile, Petrus Shitembi, Awilo Stefanus and Benson Shilongo, the squad has huge depth upfront and history favours the home side, given the fact that Mozambique is yet to beat Namibia at home. But history counts little in football. What is important is match-day preparedness and for the boys to fire on all cylinders in front of thousands of Namibians, who will be rallying behind them at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. A second victory against Mozambique will be of great advantage to Namibia and our chances of qualifying for a third Afcon championship. We can ill-afford to fluff this golden opportunity.
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