Ronnie Kanalelo with Ricardo Mannetti
by
Phumzile Ngcatshe
Thursday Jan 25, 2018. 09:30
'Morocco are under pressure', these are the words of Namibia coach Ricardo Mannetti ahead of their 2018 CAF African Nations Championship quarter-final on Saturday.
Mannetti’s men have defied the odds to reach the knock-out phase of a CAF competition for the first time.
The Brave Warriors’ 1-1 draw against Zambia on Monday night meant they finished second to Chipolopolo in Group B and will take on Group A winners Morocco at 18:30 on Saturday.
"I don't think we should be under a lot of pressure. For us, it would be very unfair to approach this tournament with a lot of tension and pressure. The pressure is on Morocco. They are the hosts and the big team," said Mannetti.
"The stadium is going to be packed to capacity with fans cheering for them. They are expected to win. My players are going to enjoy the occasion. They will love it, we're are tired of playing in empty stadiums.
"We deserve being in the quarter-finals and deserve a full stadium. So I'm looking forward to playing Morocco here on Saturday.
"When I came here, I said we are coming to be the surprise package of the tournament. Why should the surprises end on Saturday? We're going to take on Morocco and see if we can't spoil their party."
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