Futsal team optimistic despite loss

The Namibian national futsal team’s historic first-ever international clash against Tanzania in the first leg of the qualifiers for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations did not disappoint in terms of entertainment, although the home team lost 5-2 to Tanzania.

Following a tense start at the Windhoek Showgrounds on Saturday night, Tanzania were gradually growing into the game with their fluid passing which allowed David Jangandu to score the opening goal.

Adam Abdallah was on fire as he bagged a brace before halftime, including a powerful free-kick which had Tanzania leading 3-0 at halftime.

Tanzania goalkeeper Derick Kanyana had a fantastic game as he scored early in the second half to advance their lead to 4-0. Namibia missed a couple of good chances until Maximillian Boll stepped up to take a free-kick and scored to make it 4-1.

Adam Adballa completed his hat-trick with a penalty which put the score at 5-1, before Ken Salote played a great ball to Vilo Lawrence who blasted it past Kanyana to see the game end 5-2.

After the match Namibia captain Cee-Jay van Wyk said: “We started off nervous in the beginning which might have cost us the game, but now we know how they play, so we regroup and take the game to Tanzania.”

Namibia will travel to Tanzania for their second leg fixture on 11 February in their ambition to qualify for the TotalEnergies futsal Africa Cup of Nations 2024, which will take place in Morocco from 8 to 19 April.

On his team’s chances of qualifying, Namibia coach Donawald Modise said: “The players played well, we just did not convert our chances, unlike Tanzania.

“Fitness is not an issue, as you could see towards the end of the match we still had the legs. So we have to stick to our game plan, because we can still qualify.”