Angola is taking on Namibia at Stade de la Paix, hoping to match their best performance at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Namibia has already made history at AFCON 2023 by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time, and they should be confident even though their opponents haven’t had recent success at this stage.
Match Preview
Angola was supposed to battle Burkina Faso for second place in Group D, but they surprised everyone by finishing on top.
By ending with seven points, Pedro Goncalves’s team will play a fourth game at the finals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. They’ve never made it past this stage in 2012, 2013, and 2019.
With two wins, Angola set a new record for the southern African side, who had never won more than one game in previous tournaments, and another win on Saturday could make it three.
Angola has been helped by their scoring ability, with six goals in the tournament matching their total from 2012, 2013, and 2019 combined.
This puts Angola in a good position to advance to the quarter-finals and potentially face either Nigeria or Cameroon.
The Brave Warriors are expected to give Angola a tough time, even though they have no experience at this stage of the Cup of Nations.
Collin Benjamin’s team secured a historic victory over Tunisia in their first game, effectively securing their place in Saturday’s match as one of the best third-placed teams.
Namibia’s first-ever win at the finals was followed by a heavy defeat by South Africa, but they secured a draw against Mali to book their spot in the next fixture against Angola.
Angola’s Recent Performance
Angola’s form at the Africa Cup of Nations: Draw Win Win
Angola’s recent form across all competitions: Draw Draw Win Draw Win Win
Namibia’s Recent Performance
Namibia’s form at the Africa Cup of Nations: Win Loss Draw
Namibia’s recent form across all competitions: Loss Win Draw Win Loss Draw
Team News
Of Angola’s four different goal scorers, Mabululu and Gelson Dala have scored twice and are expected to play important roles on Saturday.
There are doubts about the fitness of Bruno Paz and Fredy, who were substituted against Burkina Faso due to injuries.
Peter Shalulile, despite scoring four times in AFCON qualifying, has not been able to shine at the finals.
Benjamin is likely to stick with his preferred 4-1-4-1 approach in Saturday’s match against Angola.
Possible Starting Lineups
Angola: (4-2-3-1)
Neblu;
Afonso, Gasper, Quinito, Carneiro;
Fredy, Show;
Gilberto, Zini, Dala;
Mabululu
Namibia: (4-1-4-1)
Kazapua;
Kamberipa, Amutenya, Haukonho, Hanamub;
Petrus;
Muzeu, Tijiueza, Katua, Hotto;
Shalulile
Prediction: Angola 2-0 Namibia
We predict a 2-0 victory for Angola, as Namibia, who have struggled to score, are likely to be eliminated by an Angola side that has shown goalscoring prowess throughout the tournament.
I believe in my country as my country will fight 1-0 against Angola our neighboring country
Nambia 1
Angola 0 although we will try their best to keep the ball control