Warriors promise rock solid defence

If there is one thing the Brave Warriors seem to do incredibly well under Bernhard Kaanjuka, it is resolute defending.

The facts back this up as the Warriors have only conceded two goals since Kaanjuka took over the coaching reigns of the national team.

And it is this type of defending Namibia needs when they play Liberia in the second leg of a 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

That is because Namibia needs to overturn a 1-0 first leg loss to Liberia to stand a chance of progressing to the next round of AFCON qualifiers.

What makes the tie tricky is that since Namibia needs to win by two clear goals a goal by Liberia will put too much pressure on the home side.

“It is better not to concede because if they score two we’ll have to score four goals,” Kaanjuka explained.

“But I trust these guys at the back,” he added.

Namibia’s defence has become quite the unit, with the central pairing of Willem Mwedihanga and Da Costa Angula well complemented by right back Larry Horaeb while Denzil Haoseb seems to be making the left back slot his own.

The fact that both Horaeb and Haoseb are adept at joining the attack means the Warriors can add numbers to their forward forays.

But who will the coach rely on to get the goals on Saturday?

“Anyone can score the goals in this team. There’s no one more special than the other,” Kaanjuka said.

The options are certainly plenty, with Henrico Botes, who is expected to start as the lone striker, Heini Isaacks, Willy Stephanus, Eslin Kamuhanga, Tangeni Shipahu, Rudolf Bester, Petrus Shitembi and even Ronald Ketjijere capable of scoring goals.

“It’s not about three points against Liberia but two clear goals and we have to score them and advance. Our nation deserves it for the support they have shown us and as a team we are getting there,” Isaacks was quoted as saying during the week.

Ketjijere, who regularly scores for his club side African Stars, believes he can get among the goals.

“We are playing a more offensive game on Saturday and I hope I can get into those goal scoring areas,” said Ketjijere, who will captain the side against Liberia.

“We are ready and looking forward to the game. We will try to get an early goal to unsettle Liberia,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Liberian team, who were initially expected in the country yesterday morning, will only land in Namibia today.

Their camp has been thrown into disarray after three players, including captain Anthony Laffor, were expelled from the national team setup on Wednesday.

Be that as it may, Liberia still holds all the trump cards as they lead the tie 1-0 and the onus rests on Namibia to overturn the score.

The game will start at 18:00 and fans are reminded to get there early to avoid long queues at the gate.