Namibia plot upset against Mali

Hopeful of a slot in the knockout stage, the Namibia national team will plot to upset Mali when they square up at Stade Laurent Pokou on Wednesday evening (today).

The final standings in Group E at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations will be decided during the fixture with Mali primed to win the group and qualify for the next round.

Despite the 4-0 bashing they suffered against South Africa on match day two, the Brave Warriors still have a chance should they pull an upset against Mali.

The Brave Warriors have been boosted by the availability of their dangerman Peter Shalulile who sustained a knock against Bafana Bafana on Sunday evening.

After their struggles, Petrus Shitembi and Absalom Limbondi might not start against the Eagles as coach Collin Benjamin hopes to get a positive outcome.

Namibia's probable lineup will include Kazapua, Nyambe, Amutenya, Haukongo, Hanamub, Petrus, Muzeu, Katua, Tjiueza, Hotto, Shalulile

For Mali, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma is expected to make a return to the starting XI after being benched in the previous game against Tunisia.

Mali probable XI include Diarra, Traore, Kouyate, Niakate, Sacko, Dieng, Bissouma, Haidara, Doumbia; Sinayoko, Koita.

Mali, undefeated after the first two matches, lead 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.

Namibia lost 4-0 in their latest Group E game against their South Africa. Mali and Tunisia drew 1-1.

The Eagles come into the match as favourites having won both meetings in the 2021 Afcon qualifiers 1-0 and 1-2, respectively.

Namibia head coach, Collin Benjamin, during a press conference ahead of Wednesday's contest in San-Pedro Stadium, said his team would not rely on other teams' performance for qualification.

“We will not rely on other teams' performance for qualification. We have the chance to write history for our country, and we look forward to the game.”

Namibia captain Peter Shalulile said: “Why should we wait for others to do us favours when we can do the job ourselves?

“We will show up tomorrow and give the game all we have got, and leave the rest to God.”