AFCON 2027 (Q): Namibia wary of Congo

24.09.26 09:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Namibia

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Congo

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Namibia begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Congo. Ahead of this encounter in Gaborone, head coach Collin Benjamin highlighted the physical qualities and speed of his opponents, while calling on his players to remain focused.

“Congo are a strong and physical team”

Facing the Red Devils led by Claude Le Roy, Collin Benjamin expects a hard-fought encounter against the Congolese national team. The Namibian coach also expects Congo to exploit their speed in transitions:

Congo are a strong and physical team. They will look to win the duels and, with that physical dimension, there will inevitably be aggression. I also think they will look to play on the counter-attack, because they have speed through the middle and on the wings.

Against this opposition, Benjamin is asking his players to maintain a balanced structure. Namibia will also have to make the most of their attacking opportunities.

We must be very disciplined in our defensive approach and our organisation, while maintaining a good balance between attack and defence. We want to show courage in the final third. We know that we have speed, so we want to get in behind the defenders, enter the box and make the most of our chances.

“We have confidence in our players”

Despite several absences, the coach insists that his squad is ready for this first qualifying assignment:

We have confidence in the players we have selected to do the job. There are a few young players in the squad, but this is exactly what they need.

Benjamin finally stressed the importance of this encounter for his players.

The players know what an opportunity and privilege it is to play for the Namibian national team. They hope to seize this chance and make Namibia proud.

Namibia and Congo will therefore face each other this afternoon in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifying match, with the aim of getting their campaign off to a positive start.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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