In a thrilling match, Angola secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a resounding 3-0 victory over Namibia in Bouake. Despite an early setback with goalkeeper Neblu receiving a red card in the 17th minute, Angola displayed resilience and skill.
Gelson Dala emerged as a key figure, opening the scoring for Angola in the 38th minute. Namibia, making their first appearance in the knockout stages, faced a further blow as Lubeni Haukongo received a red card just before halftime, leaving both teams with 10 players.
Dala continued to shine, adding a second goal just ahead of the break, heading in a well-placed cross from Fredy. The momentum carried into the second half, with Al Ittihad forward Mabululu securing Angola’s victory with a third goal in the 66th minute, showcasing skill and composure during a swift counter-attack.
Namibia’s hopes of a comeback were dashed despite a moment where Bethuel Muzeu attempted to lob the goalkeeper, who had replaced Neblu following the red card. The resilient Angolan team, with Signori Antonio stepping into the goalkeeping role, seized control.
Haukongo’s second caution for a foul on Mabululu further complicated Namibia’s situation. The efficient combination of Fredy and Dala proved lethal, with Dala netting his second goal from Fredy’s free-kick just minutes after Haukongo’s dismissal.
Namibia’s Brave Warriors, led by captain Peter Shalulile, attempted to regroup early in the second half, but their efforts were in vain. Angola’s counter-attacking prowess came to the forefront in the 66th minute, as Mabululu skillfully cut back onto his right foot and curled a shot into the far corner, securing the third goal for Angola.
Despite a late attempt by Shalulile with a header narrowly missing the target, Angola’s substitute Zito Luvumbo struck the crossbar during stoppage time. Pedro Goncalves’ side showcased both resilience and attacking prowess, progressing to the quarter-finals with a convincing performance.
The victory marked another memorable achievement for Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations, solidifying their place among the top contenders in the tournament. As they advance to the last eight in the Ivory Coast, Angola’s fans can celebrate the team’s impressive display of skill and determination on the pitch.