AFCON 2023: Namibia Vs. Angola R16 preview

By Ngome Michael

Angola and Namibia meet in a pound–for–pound AFCON knockout match for the first time in the history of both Nations. The Palancas Negras with Brave Warriors stunned spectators in Ivory Coast with victories over Mauritania, Burkina and Tunisia respectively to be among the last 16.

Unbeaten in the first round, Angola are favorite to reach the quater final over opponents, Namibia and face either Cameroon or Nigeria.

Benjamin Collin pulled out a shocking 1-0 win over former winners, Tunisia before being humbled by COSAFA neighbors South Africa 4-0. A stalemate with Mali handed a best third-placed team qualification ticket to the Brave Warriors.

Placed 117 and 115 respectively, Angola and Namibia are the lowest FIFA ranked teams at this years tournament and certainly exceded expectations to be where they are. Netting in 5goals in round-1 puts Angola as the most likely side to win this tie considering they unbeaten in last twelve meetings.

Angola have won two matches at AFCON for the first ever and it is equally the first time back-to-back wins are registered in this competition for Angola.

Aside featuring for the first time at this level, the win against Tunisia was Namibia’s first group stage triumph in 12matches played, Drawing four and losing eight.

Fredy and Bruno Paz both came off with knocks in Angola’s last game.

Namibia made a handful of changes after a heavy defeat to South Africa as they drew with Mali to reach the knockouts, with Ryan Nyambe and Petrus Shitembi hoping for a recall.