Benjamin should continue despite Afcon elimination

Despite being eliminated from the 2023 African Cup of Nations at the last-16 stage, Brave Warriors coach, Collin Benjamin, remained upbeat following the historic breakthroughs his squad had achieved in the continental tournament.

The Tafel Lager Brave Warriors were sent packing after losing 3-0 to neighbouring Angola in an eventful match in Bouaké on Saturday night.

“It took us 26 years to get here, to win our first game and get out of the group stages. Our defeat is a valuable footballing lesson that we have to learn.

“Despite Angola being a man down, we couldn’t break through their defence, but it was still a good game for my boys,” Benjamin said.

The coach said competing at Afcon was an excellent experience for his players and his team had exceeded expectations, showing that Namibia is growing as a footballing nation.

Some critics on social media raised questions about Benjamin’s team selections during the tournament.

However, the first 19 months since he took charge have without doubt been an upward trend, in which Namibia qualified for Afcon despite playing all their home games in South Africa due to the lack of approved stadiums.

Under Benjamin, Namibia won their first match at Afcon since their debut in 1998 (against Tunisia) and reached the Round of 16 for the first time.

Reaching the Cosafa Cup final and achieving wins against Cameroon and Tunisia and a draw against Ghana have also been notable achievements, which should ensure the safety of Benjamin’s job.



Optimism

Namibia were optimistic about making more history by reaching their first-ever quarterfinal, despite their head-to-head record of never previously beating Angola in 12 attempts.

Their chances were boosted when Angola’s goalkeeper Adilson da Cruz Cipriano received s straight red carded for handling the ball outside the box after Peter Shalulile broke through on an almost clear run.

Despite being awarded a free kick, Namibia failed to capitalize on the opportunity as Deon Hotto’s shot was saved by the replacement goalkeeper, Signori Antonio.

Namibian forward Prins Tjiueza had to be substituted in the 19th minute after picking up an injury, with Absalom Iimbondi sent on.

Angola’s Palancas Negras scored their first goal in the 37th minute when Jacinto Dala rounded off a brilliant cross from right wing by Deivi Vieira.

In the 39th minute, Namibian defender Lubeni Haukongo was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul, leaving his team down to 10 men as well.

Dala once again struck with a header from a free kick in the 40th minute to double Angola’s score before the halftime break.

After leading 2-0 at halftime, Angola added their third goal in the 63rd minute through Cristovao Paciencia, known as Mabululu.

Angolan forward, Jacinto Dala, who was awarded the player of the match for the second time in this tournament, hailed the performance of his teammates.

The Palancas Negras were unstoppable, with Jacinto Dala involved in all three goals.

“We had a good performance today. The team deserved this qualification and I’m very happy we made it happen. I will say the commitment and the involvement of all the players helped me in winning this man of the match, he said.

The two goals put Jacinto Dala’s tally at four in the tournament, just behind the leader Emilio Nsue of Equatorial Guinea.

“Scoring goals here is making me happy and I would love to continue scoring goals in this tournament and getting victories as well,” he added.