Namibia boss Collin Benjamin has issued a clear warning for their opponents ahead of the upcoming the Africa Cup of Nations.
Afcon is now just days away from kick off as the tournament begins on Saturday, 13 Janaury in the Ivory Coast. Excitement is building for many nations, with some teams having recently played warm-up friendlies in preparation for the 34th edition of the grand showpiece.
Namibia are drawn in Group E alongside neighbours South Africa, Mali, and Tunisia. Their first game will be against the latter on Tuesday, 16 January, facing a side that is ranked 28th in the world by FIFA whilst they are the lowest ranked team in their group - occupying 115th spot.
Read: Every EPL star going to AFCON
Namibia are set to take on Ghana in friendly on Monday night at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi and Benjamin has since been clear on what his team's expectations are once Afcon begins.
“My team are fit, aggressive and set out in every match to make things as difficult as possible for opponents," said the 45-year-old former Bundesliga player, according to Vanguard.
“Our first goal is obvious — to become the first team from Namibia to win a match at the Cup of Nations after nine failed attempts.”
It will be Namibia's fourth participation at the tournament following their previous qualifications in 1998, 2008, and 2019. Of the nine matches they have played in the tournament, they have lost seven and drawn two.
The stage is set for them to make history and the side are expected to heavily rely on their prolific marksman Peter Shalulile. The centre-forward has 16 goals in 49 appearances for his country, according Transfermarkt.
The 30-year-old was also recently shortlisted for the 2023 CAF Interclub Player of the Year, but lost the award to Al Ahly and Bafana's Percy Tau.
With Downs set to have 11 players at Afcon (10 for Bafana and Shalulile for Namibia), manager Rulani Mokwena recently praised his club for hiring the "right talent."
“Firstly, I must congratulate the club because it means that we are recruiting the right talent," the tactician said, according to Hollywoodbets Sports Blog.
He added: "I’m going to tell Peter Shalulile to enjoy AFCON and I am waiting for the game on the 21st of January. I have already put it in my diary, that’s one game I can’t miss."
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