Angola humiliate Warriors to win Cosafa
An otherwise solid tournament concluded in anti-climax.
Despite feeling upbeat about reaching the final of the Cosafa Cup, Namibia's Brave Warriors were humiliated 5-0 by Angola yesterday. The result in Gqeberha, South Africa, meant Namibia takes home silver in the regional competition.
The five-goal margin was also the biggest defeat of any team in a final of the Cosafa men’s tournament.
Angola maintained their unbeaten record in 14 encounters with their neighbour, who only has six draws to show, and who also lost 3-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 match in Ivory Coast last January.
Brave Warriors coach Collin Benjamin said: "Yes, we are disappointed with the result and it is up to us to go back to the drawing board.
"I am still very proud of the boys and it gives me appetite to work with them.
"The mistakes we made early on put pressure on us.
"We will return home and focus on the World Cup and Afcon qualifiers."
Namibia started off with intent, looking the more dangerous in the opening minutes, with Romeo Kasume forcing a save from the Angolan goalkeeper.
Bethuel Muzeu went on the attack from the right flank and his low cross was intercepted, with Angola going on the counter against the run of play.
Angola forced a save from Kamaijanda Ndisiro, but the goalie unfortunately gifted the ball to dangerman Depu, who slotted home from close range in the 12th minute.
The goal allowed the Angolans to grow in confidence and they pushed more men forward.
Namibia captain Charles Hambira conceded a penalty which after being reviewed by VAR, forward Bondo Francisco made no mistake with, giving the Angolans a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Once again the Brave Warriors started off the second half looking the better side and applying pressure.
Pedro Nanque was however left unmarked in the penalty box and headed Angola's third of day from a corner in the 58th minute.
The outlook for Namibia worsened with Ivan Kamberipa shown a red card following a dangerous tackle which also saw Angola awarded a free-kick just outside the box.
Pedro Nanque made it 4-0 as his well-taken free kick went straight into the roof of the net before Keliano Manuel slotted home the fifth goal.
• Mozambique, eliminated by Namibia on penalties (4-2) in Friday’s semifinal which finished goalless, managed to take the bronze match by beating Comoros 3-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in normal time.
• Individual award winners:
Top goal scorer – Laurindo Aurélio (5 goals, Angola).
Player of the tournament -Antonia Muanza (Angola).
Golden glove – Armando Doutor (Mozambique).