Namibia head coach Ricardo Manetti has asserted that their win and lone goal over Zimbabawe in the 2018 CHAN qualifier on Sunday 16 July was worthwhile.

Manetti, speaking after the match, admitted that it was a tough match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium and affirmed that the goal came as a result of good effort.

“I can’t be greedy and ask for more. This victory was long overdue and when Somaeb scored, I prayed and hoped that Zimbabwe don’t spoil the brilliant goal and the memorable occasion for all of us.

Going into the second leg next Sunday at the Harare Sports Stadium, Mannetti remains optimistic.

“ We played well today and got the result, we now have to prepare for the second leg and again we remain underdogs and have to play above ourselves again like we did today. They will be at home and have depth and we have to counter that” explains Mannetti.

Captain Ronald Ketjijere echoes the coach sentiments and additionally thanks the nation for the support on the day.

“We played against giants today and after a very tough first half we had to keep the ball down and play on their ground and in the end we got the goal and now the second half will be a different game and we remain committed. Our goalkeeper really kept us in the game and the support from the public today was exceptional as well and I thank everyone for coming today and means a lot to us” Ketjijere states.

Namibia and Zimbabwe will renew their rivalry on Sunday, 23 July
at the Harare Sports Stadium for the second round second leg match. The winner of the tie will face either Comoros or Lesotho in the third and final round to Kenya 2018.