Namibia qualified for the last 16 of the African Cup Of Nations for the first time after a goalless draw against Mali
The brave worriers , whose victory over Tunisia had set up the prospect of knock out football, lived up to their nickname with a resilient display against the misfiring Group E winners.
After almost taking a surprise lead in the 16th minute when prins tjiueza’s angled shot was tipped onto the post by goal keeper Djigui Diarra, Namibia focused mainly on damage limitation.
They knew as long as they matched Tunisia’s result against South Africa they would progress as one of the best third -placed sides and the first two goalless draws of the tournament ensured and that’s how it played out .
Mali dominated possession but their best first half chances saw Fousseni Diabete cut in onto his left foot to force a good save from Lloyd Kazapua and Lassine Sinayoko planted a close-range header wide.
Having managed just one shot on target, Mali coach Eric Chelle replaced both his strikers just a few minutes into the second half, bringing on Kamory Doumbia and Ibrahim Sissiko.
With Namibia working hard to hold onto what they had and not over extend themselves, the initiative remained with Mali but Sissoko’s main contribution were to ballon a shot way over from the edge of the area and then fail to connect with Nene Dorgele’s cross onto the six-yard box.
Mali did not force Kazapua into a genuine save in the second half until five minutes from the end when he tipped Amadou Dante’s low free-kick around the post.
BY CATHELINE ANKUNDA
