The Brave Gladiators could strengthen their position for a Cosafa Women’s Championship semi-final berth with victory over Lesotho today.
Namibia began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against The Mares of Botswana, one of the tournament favourites, on Friday.
It left both sides joint-second behind Zimbabwe, who made a winning return to the competition with a 1-0 win over Lesotho earlier the same day to lead by two points.
Namibia coach Marvin Mbakera was pleased with a point, but wants his side to go one better against Lesotho in the early kick-off, with Botswana taking on Zimbabwe later today.
“We got a point and we’ll work on adding on it. We need to make sure that at the end of the day we accumulate as much points as possible. The ones that have the highest points proceed.”
It took only six minutes for the Gladiators to find the back of the net through Millicent Hikuam.
Botswana equalised with 11 minutes to go when captain Kesegofetse Mochawe’s swerving freekick from outside the box nestled in the back of the net.
“We ended fourth last time, so our main objective is to make sure we get to the next stage, and from there we take it on,” said Mbakera.
His Botswana counterpart, Mohambi Saulos, complimented Namibia’s intensity and organisation in his post-match analysis.
“Though one cannot be happy with just a draw, it is better than nothing,” Saulos said.
“I think they planned well for us, because they didn’t allow us to play in the first half. They were on us throughout the game. In the second half they got a bit tired, and that allowed us to know the ball around.
“Hopefully we will play better next time.”
Saulos believes the improved quality at the tournament means no side is guaranteed glory.
“The competition is quite tough. I’m not pre-empting anything, but I won’t be surprised if the winner of the group comes from this group. The determination to win by all teams is high,” said Saulos.
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