Namibia’s senior women’s football team, the Brave Gladiators, produced a stunning defensive performance to force a nil-all away draw against Zambia in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying round in Lusaka on Wednesday.
The match was monitored by this agency through the Facebook page of the Football Association of Zambia.
Zambia came into the tournament as clear favourites based on their recent form after qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where they produced some eye-catching performances.
However, they found the Namibia defence led by Captain Eddelsisingh Emma Naris a stumbling block as they created several chances which they failed to convert.
Zambia dominated possession, while Namibia relied on counter-attacks and set pieces to trouble the hosts with talismanic Zenatha Coleman coming close three times for the visitors.
The Fenerbahçe-based wing almost opened the scoring via a free-kick, but her effort was parried over the bar by Hazel Nali in goals for Zambia.
The second half belonged to Zambia, but the Namibia defence stood resolute to thwart the relentless attacks.
Namibia coach Woody Jacobs was happy with his team’s performance, saying they achieved their objectives.
“We were under pressure at times and rode our luck at other times. I am happy with the way the goals stuck in. We could have snatched it at one point. The subs who came in consolidated what the others did and the second leg will be relevant,” Jacobs said.
He added that the team gave it a go, saying the girls will take this game as a learning point.
Captain Naris said the scoreline gives them a fighting chance for the second leg in South Africa on 22 February.
“We kept our shape and our defence was as tight as possible. We denied them any scoring chances. The coach’s strategy worked very well as we carried out each and every instruction from the coach,” she said, adding that they are looking forward to winning the return leg.
The draw still puts Namibia in a good position to qualify for the WAFCON, scheduled for Morocco in July.
Source: The Namibian press Agency
