Last minute goal sends Namibia packing

NAMIBIA crashed out of the u20 Afcon tournament in Mauritania after a last minute goal by Kouame Botue gave Burkina Faso a rather lucky 1-0 victory on Sunday night.

Namibia more than held their own and seemed to be heading for a draw when Burkina Faso pounced in the final minute.

Karamoko Banda headed the ball into Namibia’s box and when Tuli Nashixwa failed to clear it, the ball was headed on to an unmarked Botue who headed it in at the far post.

With the win, Burkina Faso finished on top of Group B to book their place in the quarterfinals, where they are joined by the Central African Republic, who beat Tunisia 2-1 in the other Group B match on Sunday night.

In a physical and fast-paced encounter Namibia did the early attacking with Edmar Kamatuka shooting into the side netting early on, while a long range effort by Prins Tjiueza went wide of goals.

Tjiueza also came close with a free-kick that curled wide of goals but chances were few and far between as the physical encounter was interspersed by numerous injuries and stoppages.

Burkina Faso came out attacking in the second half with Roland Sanou shooting over the bar early on, while a free-kick by Eric Chardy went wide of the target.

Burkina Faso once again came close on 66 minutes when they won a corner, but Namibian keeper Philipus Josef brought off a point blank save from Pierre Landry Kabore.

Eight minutes later Namibia had a great chance when captain Steven Damaseb ran onto a fine cross, but his volley was well blocked by a defender.

With the match heading for injury time, Burkina Faso however struck when Botue scored a last gasp winner to book their place in the quarterfinals.

Namibia coach James Britz said that despite their elimination, there were some positives to take from the tournament.

“Unfortunately we went out early, but I must say there are some good things that we can take from this tournament. Out of our three games we had two man of the match awards which I think is great at this level. We come from a country that only has 2,5 million people and we got two awards – Prins Tjiueza against Central Africa Republic, and today our captain Steven Damaseb. They are not easy to play against and they are giants of African football, so we can take pride from these achievements,” he said.

“We also have a young squad and in our team there are 13 players who are still available for the next Afcon qualifiers. We try to develop the players for the future, because we are looking at the long term benefits for Namibian football,” he added.

Britz said the Namibian team would remain in Mauritania for a few more days and wished Burkina Faso well in the tournament.

“We will still be here for a while and will watch a game or two, because we are not leaving now. I would just like to wish the coach of Burkina Faso all the best, he seems like a very humble person, I can hear the way he answered the questions. He has a very good side and I hope he can win the tournament,” he said.