Namibia reach AFCON last 16 after Mali stalemate

DOHA:

Namibia qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 for the first time on Wednesday after a 0-0 draw against Group E winners Mali in San Pedro.

The Brave Warriors will advance as one of the four best third-placed teams and meet Angola on Saturday for a place in the quarter-finals.

Mali secured top spot in the section with five points, one ahead of South Africa and Namibia, with Tunisia eliminated following another goalless stalemate in the group's other game in Korhogo.

A last-16 tie with Burkina Faso awaits Mali on January 30.

Namibia stunned Tunisia 1-0 in their opening game for the country's first ever AFCON win, but a 4-0 thrashing by neighbours South Africa left them needing a point from their final group match to be sure of a place in the knockout phase.

Prins Tjiueza nearly put Namibia ahead in the 16th minute but his shot was tipped onto the post by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who also saved the follow-up effort from Peter Shalulile.

Fousseni Diabate's stinging strike forced a good stop from Namibia's Lloyd Kazapua, with Lassine Sinayoko -- who scored against South Africa and Tunisia -- then heading wide from close range.

In a game of few clear chances, Amadou Dante's late-free kick was turned behind by Kazapua as Namibia held on to join their already-qualified opponents in the next round.

Winger Deon Hotto hailed his side after they made history to qualify for the knockout.

"It wasn't easy. We fought until the last minute, until the final whistle. This qualification means a lot for Namibia," Orlando Pirates star Hotto said. "When we arrived at the match, we already knew we had a point and we were qualified.

 “But we tried to have a low (defensive) block and take advantage of a few transitions. The Mali team is very strong, especially on these sides, so we clearly played low. We contained them but we also had chances.”

Hotto says the side built confidence as the game went on, and they will take that into their clash with Angola.

 “It was our day. As the match went on, you could see that nothing could happen to us," he said.

Angola and Namibia will know each other incredibly well from recent COSAFA Cup tournaments, though they have not met since 2011, and while Angola will be favourites, Namibia coach Collin Benjamin will have a plan oust them.