Who will be the "little thumb"; the "coup de coeur" of the 2023 edition of the CAN in Côte d'Ivoire? Sport News Africa, after a brief review of the Comoros' 2021 campaign, which thrilled the continent, puts the spotlight on Namibia, a small demographic nation, to supplant them in the hearts of fans with a memorable AFCON.
The Comoros were the surprise team at the AFCON 2021.But above all, they were one of the teams with the highest sympathy ratings. First of all, by reaching the last 8 in a final qualifying match against Ghana (3-2), in an epic match against a supposedly stronger team, which was full of twists and turns. But even more, by having offered the 8th round a match of anthology and warrior against Cameroon, despite the defeat and a context, more than unfavorable.
Indeed, the Coelacanths were decimated by a hecatomb of Covid-19-positive players (12), including the 3 goalkeepers and the coach. Rightly or wrongly, many saw this as a certain injustice. The team therefore started its 8th season with an outfield player in goal. As we all know, human beings like to take up the cause of the disadvantaged and the weak. And the audience was thrilled with a scenario worthy of a movie.
The team put up a valiant fight against the Indomitable Lions, despite conceding a red card in the 7th minute. Ironically, the match ended in a 2-1 victory that did more for the Comoros than for their opponents. Losing but with honors, and being the champions of hearts, that's the feat achieved by the Comoros!
Which team will capture the hearts of football fans?
There are many contenders for this difficult question (Gambia, Mauritania, Tanzania, Mozambique), but something tells us that the Ivorian summer hit could be Namibia. But why? Demographically speaking, the country is a dwarf with 2.6 million inhabitants.In terms of AFCON history, they've played in 3 AFCONs and never reached the second round. On paper, they are anything but favourites at the start of the competition, especially in Pool E where they are drawn alongside Tunisia, Mali and South Africa.What's more, the team has a local base, with most of its players playing in their own country or in Africa. All the attributes of a minnow can be found in Namibia's profile. Criteria that the public like when choosing who to support.
For some, style is an accessory, but it's a criterion of considerable appeal in Africa. When it comes to goal celebrations, as is the case throughout the southern hemisphere, the Namibians put on a show. They always have original celebrations, which could make the "brave warriors" the hearts' desire in 2023. One need only recall the dance of Tshabalala and the South Africans, during the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, which has since become cult to measure the importance of signing goals. Not an insignificant criterion!
Namibia's footballing arguments
Namibia have more than just off-field arguments. The most important of all in soccer are technical and physical qualities and the Brave Warriors have plenty of them. All you need to do is look at the team's results. Over the last 2 years, these results have been more than respectable. This doesn't change their status as outsiders, of course, but they're not to be taken lightly, lest we be surprised.
Returning to results, the Brave Warriors are coming off a successful AFCON qualifying campaign in a group with Cameroon and Burundi.With a draw in Cameroon (1-1), a home win against the Indomitable Lions (2-1), a draw on home soil against Burundi (1-1) and a defeat (3-2) in Burundi. Burundi had been a fierce opponent for Cameroon in the qualifying final, dominating proceedings before a defender made a mistake to allow Cameroon to open the scoring and make the match easy. To say that Youssouf Ndayishimiye's Burundi were a very strong team was an understatement, and a measure of the prowess of the Namibians, who caused them problems on their home turf despite the 2-goal defeat.
After this feat, the team recently drew against the very playful South Africa in a friendly in September 2023, and against Ghana this January 8 in a pre-AFCON match. In the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, the team won against Sao-Tomé et Principe (2-0) and previously lost to Equatorial Guinea (1-0). Which tells us that the team's momentum is very good. And the qualifying places for the best 3rd-placed teams may well be an opportunity for the team.A successful start could give them even more confidence to write the finest page in their soccer history.
Shalulile to guide them?
Finally, they have an attacking asset that could also dazzle the fans. In any case, he has the qualities: Peter Shalulile, leader of the front line at Mamelodi Sundows. The 30-year-old striker has proved his worth in the South African championship and in the CAF Champions League. He was twice voted best player and top scorer in the league. He won the CAF CL with Mamelodi Sundows. And during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, he scored 4 of Namibia's 6 goals in 4 matches. He was the tormentor of the Cameroonians in both legs.
Namibia kick off their Group E campaign against 2004 champions Tunisia on Tuesday January 16, before facing South Africa five days later and their final match against Mali on Wednesday January 24.
𝗔𝗞𝗪𝗔𝗕𝗔 𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗔
La délégation namibienne a répondu à l'appel en se rendant à l'aéroport de Korhogo. Akwaba aux Brave Warriors 🇳🇦#Cocan2023 | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #CAN2023 pic.twitter.com/3zKWu7wHqJ
— COCAN 2023 (@COCAN_2023) January 10, 2024
