AN IMPROVED defence and mental discipline will be key for the Young Warriors when they face Swaziland in their 2017 Caf U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers ‘ first round second leg match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday.
Namibia drew 2 2 in Swaziland two weeks ago, with Boni Paulino and Kennedy Eib on target.
According to coach Gerhard Gunter, the team is eager to finish the job.
‘Their fitness has improved because when we got back, the focus was all about that. This week, we ‘ve worked more on mental preparedness and to make sure we defend well and score one or two to go through. The mental fitness of the boys, in terms of tactical discipline, will do the job for us,’ Gunter said after Monday morning ‘s training session at the NFA Technical Centre.
Despite the two away goals giving Namibia the edge in the tie, Gunter warned his charges not to rest on their laurels.
The winner of this fixture takes on South Africa in the second round in May/June, after which a third and final round awaits the winner of that contest for a place in Zambia next year.
‘Any goal away from home is good, but we need to be wary of Swaziland. We scored two and they scored two. What can prevent them from scoring here? It’s us, our attitude and approach on the day, and that is what we are concentrating on right now. The boys have shown that they can, but we all know how sometimes when we get to the game things just fall apart, and we need to avoid that on Friday,’ Gunter said.
The match starts at 16h00, and admission is free. NFA.org.na
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