• Football

Last throw of the dice for Benjamin

• 18 Hours Ago

Namibia’s national team, the Brave Warriors, are set to play their final encounter against log leaders Tunisia in Group H of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup qualifiers.

The match is slated for today at 15:00, and Namibia are desperate for a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

As things stand, Collin Benjamin’s men’s road may appear to be over, but they still have a glimmer of hope provided they defeat Tunisia today and results in other groups go their way.

A win may not be enough to qualify them for the playoffs, but it can ensure they finish second in the group.

Coach Collin Benjamin understands that Tunisia will be a challenge, but it is one his charges are relishing.

“We know that it is a must-win game for us, and we are therefore going in with everything we have got.

“Playing the undefeated team in the group may sound hard, but we have beaten them in the Africa Cup of Nations before.

“We have to remain focused and ensure that the players are not distracted by what is happening outside,” Benjamin said.

Namibia go into the match after a 3-1 defeat to Liberia away from home last week.

Tunisia, on the other hand, are riding a wave of success following their 6-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe at the weekend.

Namibia will also be aware that a defeat, coupled with a Liberia win in their final match, could drop them to third place in the group.

Tunisia currently lead Group H with 25 points from the nine matches they have played so far.

The North Africans have won eight of their nine matches, dropping points on only one occasion, and remain the only team in the group yet to concede a goal in the qualifiers.

The Brave Warriors, meanwhile, come into the match second with 15 points, having won four, drawn three and lost two.

The closest team behind them is Liberia, who sit on 14 points.