The Junior Gladiators secured a crucial away goal in their 2-1 first leg Under-20 Fifa World Cup qualifier defeat to the Republic of Congo in Brazzaville on Sunday.
Namibia head coach Errol Damaseb expressed optimism for Friday’s return leg when reviewing his side’s performance in the closely contested match inside the Stade-Alphonse Massamba Debat.
Damaseb said both teams showed commitment and competitiveness, which makes for another gripping affair at the same venue.
The Young Gladiators are forced to play their home match in their rival’s backyard due to the continued absence of venues fit for international football in Namibia.
“It was a tough match, our players fought hard and we came close to securing a better result, but luck wasn’t on our side. We will return to the drawing board and use this experience to regroup and prepare for the second leg,” Damaseb said in an interview with the Namibia Football Association website.
His charges got on the scoreboard first through Albertine Fillipus in the 19th minute but failed to hold on to or extend their lead.
The hosts responded just eight minutes later when Rutha Tokassi found the back of the net, with Pauline Mbayo scoring the winner 10 minutes before the break.
“We got too excited after the first goal, lost focus and made silly mistakes that eventually cost us. This does not change anything, we are sticking to our plan of advancing to the next stage of the Fifa U20 World Cup qualifiers,” said Damaseb.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
