Swapo flag controversy sours Warriors win

The displaying of two Swapo flags at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Tuesday evening, where the Brave Warriors trumped Mozambique 1-0, has caused a stir on social media, with some claiming Fifa will not tolerate what had happened.

When asked about Fifa's stance on political party flags being displayed during games, Namibia Football Federation (NFA) secretary-general Barry Rukoro cheekily wanted to know if 'Swapo' had been written on the flags. Article 10 of Fifa's guidelines for match officials says that commissioner, referee and referee assessor match reports should describe in an accurate and complete manner every relevant incident.

This includes “political or racist banners, flags and other objects: the exact words/signs, etc. used on the banner; the time and duration during which the banners were shown; the place, size and visibility of the banners”.

Fifa has in the past frowned upon the displaying of political flags other than its flag and those of the member countries playing.



Warriors on a high

The Brave Warriors scored in the second half of their intense 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group K qualifier, and in the process beat Mozambique twice within days, after humbling their opponents away this past Saturday.

Highlands Park striker Peter Shalulile struck in the 73 minute to send the home crowd into ecstasy and propel Namibia to second in the qualifying group with just two matches to play.

The pass came from Willy Stephanus, who together with Riaan Hanamub showed individual brilliance on the night.

Mozambique started the match on a high and dominated the first half as an uncomfortable and nervous Namibian side tried not to make mistakes and concede an early goal.

The second half stalemate was eventually broken by Shalulile.

The win moved Namibia to seven points, with Guinea-Bissau, who the Warriors play next, still topping the group on goal difference.

Both Zambia, who the Brave Warriors face away in their last group match, and Mozambique, are on four points.

An emotional Ricardo Mannetti, who stayed on his feet throughout the match, as he tried to calm his players, praised God for the win.

“This was not luck. This is prayer. This is not only a team victory, but a victory for the whole nation. We have worked for almost three months with the players who are without league action.

“We trained everyday and this is the reward. We have a team full of depth and character; those who were in isolation also returned,” the Warriors head coach said.

He added Mozambique were not easy to overcome.

The Brave Warriors host Guinea-Bissau on 16 November and will play Zambia in March next year.

If Namibia qualifies for Afcon 2019, which will be hosted by Cameroon, it will be their third time at the finals. Guinea-Bissau are looking to compete for the second time at the African showpiece.

Their appearance at the 2017 edition in Gabon was their first time Afcon appearance.

The group winner and the runner-up will qualify for the 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations to be played in Cameroon from 15 June to 13 July 2019.



Lights out

There was also further drama at the stadium on Tuesday night, when the lights failed, leading to a delay. This, however, did not spoil the mood of the fans, who together with President Hage Geingob lit up the stadium with their cellphones.



LIMBA MUPETAMI