VIDEO | AFCON 2023 Highlights: Namibia vs South Africa
One of the surprises of AFCON 2023, the Namibian national team, faced a South African side with a crucial need to win, as failing to do so would compromise their future in the competition.
At the start of the match, Namibia and South Africa seemed evenly matched, with neither side causing damage despite numerous attempts on goal. Namibia had the clearest opportunity in the early minutes, as a spectacular pass from Riaan Hanamub left Peter Shalulile one-on-one with the goalkeeper at the 7th minute, but he couldn't convert the chance.
Later on, South Africa seized control of the game with an excellent penalty executed by Percy Tau in the 14th minute, sparking a goal-scoring spree for the "Bafana Bafana." Themba Zwane contributed with a brace, scoring a right-footed goal to the top corner at the 25th minute and another at the 40th minute, beating the goalkeeper with a shot to the left post. This secured a brilliant first half for Hugo Broos's team with a 3-0 lead.
The second half started with intense efforts from Namibia, aiming for the miracle of equalizing the game. However, the experience and good form of South Africa proved superior to the opponent's intentions. South Africa further solidified their dominance at the 74th minute with a goal from Thapelo Maseko, establishing a record for the most goals scored by a team in a single match: 4-0.
With this outcome, South Africa secures the second spot and enjoys a comfortable advantage in goal difference in their quest for qualification to the next phase. On the other hand, Namibia will strive to reverse the situation from the third position, facing a challenging scenario.
