Namibia qualifies for 2019 AFCON finals

The Brave Warriors confirmed their 2019 AFCON participation despite losing 4-1 at Zambia on Saturday night in Lusaka as Mozambique failed to beat Guinea Bissau in Bissau.

To determine their own destiny the Brave Warriors, spurred on by a handful of supporters claded in the red of Namibia had to avoid defeat against an already eliminated Zambia side who were only playing for pride.
Zambia however took the lead on 12 minutes through Augustine Mulenga shot from outside the box that flew into the back of the net.
Deon Hotto should have equalised on 20 minutes but his weak right foot shot hit the upright as Namibia caught Zambia napping.
On 54 minutes Zambia broke through and a last ditch defending kept then out for a corner and from that they headed home through Donashano Malama.
Namibia thought they have scored on 57 minutes only for the goal to be disallowed and about three minutes confusion ensued as the referee and his assistant tried to communicate for the final decision. A free-kick was eventually given to Zambia.
Muna Katupose then came on for Benson Shilongo on 61 minutes as coach Ricardo Mannetti aimed for long balls into the box to remedy the situation.
On 72 minutes Willy Stephanus cracked one onto the side netting after some great arial play by Katupose.
Edmund Kambanda made way for Ananias Gebhardt on 81 minutes and immediately Zambia scored their third goal through a second for Mulenga.
Peter Shalulile got one back as he headed home at the far post on 89 minutes to make the score somewhat respectable. Lazarus Kambole scored in added time for Zambia to make it 4-1 as Namibia waited for the final result in Bissau with Mozambique leading 2-1 in added time. Guinea finally got their equaliser to ensure that Namibia qualifies.
In the end, the Brave Warriors has already determine their destiny with the back to back wins over Mozambique last September as they edged them on head to head. Both teams finished with eight points. Bisau won the group with nine points and Zambia at the bottom with seven.
Namibia will now have to wait and see who they will face at the 2019 African Cup of Nations to be played in Egypt from 21 June to 19 July.