Namibia caused a major upset when Deon Hotto’s header in the 88th minute secured a victory over Tunisia in their opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Brave Warriors, holding the 115th position in the global rankings and having not secured a victory in any of their preceding nine Afcon matches, proved themselves deserving winners in Korhogo.
Although striker Peter Shalulile had an earlier attempt cleared off the line, Deon Hotto seized the opportunity from Bethuel Muzeu’s cross.
Despite Tunisia being 87 places higher than Namibia in FIFA’s standings and being the 2004 champions, the astonishing outcome has propelled Namibia to second place in the table on goal difference, following Mali’s 2-0 victory over South Africa in the subsequent Group E fixture at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.
Hotto the hero as underdogs astonish
Even amidst the early surprises in Ivory Coast, envisioning a victory for a team that had previously failed to advance beyond the group stage in three attempts against more seasoned and decorated opponents seemed far-fetched.
Namibia’s return to the Afcon, following their absence in 2021, pitted them against a side making its 16th consecutive appearance—a tournament record. This opposing team had reached the quarter-finals in three of the last four editions and secured a fourth-place finish in 2019.
Shalulile, representing South African PSL club Mamelodi Sundowns and boasting four goals in six qualifiers, established the tempo in the first half. The underdogs, Namibia, had superior chances, with Shalulile testing Tunisia’s Bechir Ben Said with an early shot and compelling him to make another leg save shortly afterward.
Namibia’s manager, Collin Benjamin, had promised that his team, known as the Brave Warriors, would live up to their nickname and rigorously challenge any opponent. The coaching staff and substitutes appeared dismayed as Deon Hotto narrowly missed connecting with Absalom Iimbondi, both players being in promising shooting positions with ample space.
Montassar Talbi’s hurried intervention was the only thing preventing Shalulile’s finish from granting Namibia an early second-half lead. The chance was set up by Iimbondi’s dynamic run and cross, showcasing Namibia’s continued ability to penetrate the box and create threats at will.
After the break, Tunisia posed a greater threat, with Youssef Msakni almost immediately attempting a close-range header that the impressive Lloyd Kazapua managed to push over the crossbar.
Haythem Jouini’s shot went wide in front of the goal, and Msakni, aiming to score at a record-equalling sixth Afcon, missed an opportunity, being thwarted by Kazapua once again during a sustained period of pressure from the Carthage Eagles.
Just when the shift in momentum might have caused Namibia fans to worry that their team’s outstanding performance would not be rewarded, Collin Benjamin’s players rallied. They delivered a late succession of probing crosses into the penalty area, and Deon Hotto capitalized on a cross from Bethuel Muzeu. Hotto found himself unmarked and powered in the emphatic winner, triggering exuberant celebrations.
Tunisia, whose five-match streak of clean sheets came to an end, will return to action at the same venue to face Mali on Saturday (20:00 GMT). Namibia, on the other hand, will play their second game at the same venue against South Africa 24 hours later.