Namibia national team head coach Ricardo Mannetti is upbeat that they have what it takes to overcome Morocco on Saturday in a quarter-final match of 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco.
The eagerly awaited match between the host and the ‘tournament underdogs’ kicks off the last-eight phase of the competition with Zambia facing Sudan in Marrakech later the same day.
Nigeria play Angola in Tangiers and Congo Brazzaville meet Libya in Agadir Sunday and the four winners advance to the semi-finals of the biennial tournament next Wednesday.
Mannetti says that his team is ready to make history and sail to the semis as his boys are eager to confront the hosts.
“We are sniffing the semi-finals and we are not under pressure against Morocco. They are the host and the stadium will be full of their support. We will go out there as underdogs that we have been and enjoy ourselves. We deceive our moment with a packed stadium and on Saturday we will have just that”, Mannetti states.
Namibia booked a place in the last eight stage after beating Uganda and Ivory Coast in Group B, first ever for the Brave Warriors at continental level, Mannetti further reckons the surprise package tag of team will continue.
“We have to see if we can spoil the host’s party on Saturday and I’m sure we can if we play to our strengths yet again. Why should the surprise that we have ditched out stop against Morocco?, it’s possible it can continue against the favourites Morocco”.
The former Namibia international, Mannetti, guided Namibia to the regional COSAFA Cup title three years ago, says being that the competition will sharpen the team also pleaded with the CAF not to scarp the tourney.
“We are not like the big nations in Africa that have players all over the world. We are Namibia and this tournament is ideal for our players to shine and be noticed and they have done that so far and so I plead with CAF, Please CAF President don’t take this tournament away.
“To stay relevant and on top you need to play the best and move forward. We are on a good run for about three years now and I hope it continues on Saturday against Morocco. We hoping for the best result for our team.”
