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Brave Warriors advance to World Cup qualifier group stage

Brave Warriors advance to World Cup qualifier group stage

The Brave Warriors this week progressed to the he 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifers Group stage after beating Eritrea 4-1 on aggregate into the group stage of t

Returning to the team after missing the first leg away in Asmara, Absalom Iimbondi started the match for the Brave Warrior on Tuesday and scored on 24 minutes at the near post to breakdown the stubborn Eritrean play.

Captain Peter shalulile and Benson Shilongo were in among the chances in the first half against Eritrea who held thier own very well in the match.

Eritrea also had thier chances with their captain Henock coming close with a free-kick before halftime.

In the second half, Namibia continued to control the match with returning playmaker Petrus Shitembi on song as he picked passes with ease and danced with the ball at will, much to the delight of the hundred thousands packed under the floodlights of the majestic Sam Nujoma Stadium.

Iimbondi could have made it 2-0 late on but saw his acrobatic shot flew across the face of goal, while substitute Joslin Kamatuka saw his bicycle kick headed into the hands of the Eritrean keeper by Shalulile.

Chance after chance, the Warriors dominated and it was until in added time that another substitute Willy Stephanus picked out the hard running Kamatuka who squared the ball back into the ever alert Shalulile to poke home under pressure.

Namibia advance to the group stage draw for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifers and interim coach Bobby Samaria sings praise of his boys.

“It was day of letting the birds fly and we let the boys do thier thing today. We were in control and never really troubled by the opposition and we knew how to get over the line. It was a perfect day and we can only march on and see how it gets in the next round”, Samaria state.

The draw is expected to take place in November or December and in the meantime it is back to the 2020 African Nation’s Championship (Chan) qualifier with Namibia to play Madagascar. The first leg match will be away from home between 20-22 September and the return leg will be at home between 18-20 October 2019. The aggregate winner will qualify for the 2020 CHAN Finals to be played in Cameroon. (NFA).


 

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Sport Contributor

The Economist does not have a dedicated sport reporter. This designation is used for several contributors who want their sport stories in the Economist. Experience has taught us that companies usually want their sport sponsorships published prominently, being the reason for a sports category. It now also carries general sport items but only those with direct Namibian relevance. - Ed.