The final pecking in Group E at the ongoing Nations Cup tournament will be decided this week, and Mali will look to grab the top spot when they neck-it-down with Namibia at Stade Laurent Pokou tonight (Wednesday).
As the only undefeated team in the group after the first two matches, Mali sit top of Group E with four points, while Namibia are still well in contention for a spot in the last 16, currently level with second-placed South Africa on three points.
Under the tutelage of Collin Benjamin, Namibia pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the competition on matchday one when they secured an historic first victory against the heavily fancied Carthage Eagles of Tunisian.
However, they were unable to follow up on that exceptional performance on Sunday evening when they took on neighbours South Africa and after going behind to a Percy Tau penalty in the first half, they slumped to a 4-0 defeat.
The highly anticipated AFCON showdown between Mali and Tunisia, who were considered the top contenders in Group E, largely lived up to the hype as the teams went toe-to-toe in a grueling 1-1 draw on Saturday.
That result followed an excellent AFCON opener against South Africa, where they were let off the hook when Tau missed a penalty while the scores were still level at 0-0, and went on to make the most of their good fortune by claiming a 2-0 victory.
However, based on their performances this year, Eric Chelle's side needs just a draw or better still annex all three points against the Brave Warriors and the West Africans will be full of confidence in getting the result they need, having beaten this Namibia in four of their six encounters while only losing once.
Namibia possible starting lineup: Kazapua; Nyambe, Amutenya, Haukongo, Hanamub; Petrus; Muzeu, Katua, Tjiueza, Hotto; Shalulile
Mali possible starting lineup:
Diarra; Traore, Kouyate, Niakate, Sacko; Dieng, Bissouma, Haidara; Doumbia; Sinayoko, Koita
We Say: Namibia 1-1 Mali
Namibia vs Mali – Where to watch?
TV Channel: GTV Sports plus, DStv and other local channels.
By: Pascal Amoah
