Namibia, still reeling from their hammering at the hands of Bafana, now face Mali. A game they simply need to draw in order to secure their passage into the round of 16. Desh Parthab previews.
AFCON 2023
Match 34 – Namibia v Mali
Wednesday 24 January | 19:00
Namibia were left shell-shocked after South Africa stuck four past them without reply. The Southern Africans now need a response against a Mali side whose performance thus far have been that of a side that can go all the way.
To Win Match
Namibia 5/1 | Draw 23/10 | Mali 11/20
Namibia are up against group leaders Mali in the final Group matchday. A positive result in this one will see them qualify, but even the most optimistic Nambia fan would find that improbable at the very least.
Orlando Pirates’ Deon Hotto scored the only goal of the game as The Brave Warriors edged Tunisia on opening day. That was the nation’s first-ever win at AFCON, coming in their 10th appearance at the tournament. Hotto was crowned the Man of the Match in that one, but failed to add to his goal tally during his run out against South Africa.
Collin Benjamin and company were sent back to the drawing board after they were dismantled by South Africa in their second run out. Namibia captain, Peter Shalulile, spurned two glorious chances in the first half of that one. The Mamelodi Sundowns hitman has churned out a reputation for being a big game player for the serial PSL champions and will need to replicate that output on the international stage if Namibia are to stand a chance.
Mali currently occupy top spot in Group E, with four points. Their 2-0 victory over South Africa on the opening day was followed up with a stalemate against Tunisia. The Eagles will be licking their lips at a limping Namibia outfit who collapsed on matchday 2.
Eric Chelle has used Premier League-based Yves Bissouma sparingly. The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was on the pitch for less than an hour against South Africa and was summoned from the bench in the 84th minute against Tunisia. The quality of the squad means that Chelle can bubble-wrap his ace and save him for the knockouts.
RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara is having a tournament to remember until he was forced off the pitch against Tunisia with an injury. Al Ahly’s Aliou Dieng is someone that Chelle can rely on, should he opt against the tried and tested Bissouma. At the business end of the pitch, Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko comes into this one with two from two and looks to be the West African’s biggest goal threat.
Verdict: Mali 11/20
There have been plenty of upsets at AFCON 2023 so far, but I simply don’t see Namibia getting anything out of this tie. Mali have proven a ruthless outfit and should put the Southern Africans to the sword.
