2023 AFCON: South Africa v Namibia report

by Staff Reporter

Monday Jan 22, 2024. 00:01

Match 24 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations saw South Africa claim a 4-0 triumph over Group E rivals Namibia at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo.

Date: Sunday 121 January 2024

Result: South Africa (3) 4 (Tau 14’ pen, Zwane 25’, 40’, Maseko 75’) Namibia 0

Teams: South Africa: Williams, Mudau, Mvala, Kekana, Modiba, Mokoena (Adams 90+3’), Sithole (Monare 70’), Morena (Mayambela 80’), Zwane (Maseko 70’), Tau, Makgopa (Lepasa 80’).

Namibia: Kazapua, Nyambe (Kamatuka 73’), Amutenya, Haukongo, Hanamub, Petrus, Limbondi (Katua 46’), Shitembi (Muzeu 46’), Tjiueza (Rudath 73’), Hotto, Shalulile

First 45: Namibia had the early impetus but South Africa were awarded a penalty – via a VAR review – for a hand-ball from Namibia defender Riaan Hanamub. Percy Tau, who missed a spot kick in the first match against Mali, secured redemption with a ruthless finish from the penalty to make it 1-0 in favour of Bafana Bafana in the 14th minute.

Eleven minutes later South Africa doubled their advantage, with Themba Zwane providing a lovely first-time finish from Thapelo Morena’s cutback from the right flank.

On 40 minutes Zwane made it 3-0 with another classy finish, curling a shot past Lloyd Kazapua after powering down the left of the penalty area.

Second 45: South Africa were able to control the game and resist any attempt at a Namibia comeback, before adding a fourth goal in the 75th minute via substitute Thapelo Maseko, who ran onto Mokoena’s long ball and fired a drive through the grasp of the goalkeeper.

What the result means: South Africa rise to second place on the log on three points, one behind leaders Mali, with Namibia dropping back to third place (three points), and Tunisia (one point) rounding out the quartet.

What’s next: The teams will wrap up their Group E campaigns on Wednesday 24 January, with South Africa tackling Tunisia in Korhogo, at the same time that Namibia face Mali in San-Pedro.