AFCON 2023: Gelson Dala at double as Angola takes Namibia to “cleaners,” make AFCON last 8

Gelson Dala is now on four goals and counting as he got a brace for Angola in a 3-0 triumph over Namibia in Bouake on Saturday, in round 16 of the TotalEnergies AFCON.

Dala netted either side of that Haukongo sending off and a second-half comeback did not materialise, as Mabululu’s finish sealed Angola’s biggest ever AFCON win and ensured they will face either Nigeria or Cameroon in the last-eight.

It had looked like being so different when Angola went a man down after just 17 minutes, as Neblu charged off his line to save Bethuel Muzeu’s lobbed effort, but did so having ventured outside the box.

A lovely move gave Angola the lead though, as Fredy and Gilberto combined brilliantly before the ball was squared to leave Dala a simple finish in the middle.

That marked the start of a disastrous four-minute spell for Namibia, who then had a man sent off themselves as Haukongo, already on a yellow card, tripped the heels of Mabululu. From the resulting free-kick, Dala rose highest to head in his fourth goal of the tournament.

Namibia never looked like forcing their way back into the match and the outcome was effectively sealed midway through the second-half, as Dala played the ball through to Mabululu and he found the far corner with a sensational curling effort.