THE upsets galore continued today at the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, with Namibia beating Tunisia 1-0.
The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia were the overwhelming favourites to take all three points in the Group E clash in Korhogo, but the Brave Warriors of Namibia had other ideas.
Ranked 115th in the world to Tunisia’s 28th, Namibia held off the 2004 AFCON champions until the dying minutes before snatching a famous win.
Deon Hotto headed home from close range in the 88th minute to stun the Tunisians and earn a first-ever AFCON victory for Namibia.
The Orlando Pirates star scored again in stoppage time for Namibia but it was ruled out for offside as the Brave Warriors took the three points.
Namibia’s win over Tunisia is the second big upset of the tournament in three days, after Cape Verde stunned Ghana 2-1 on Sunday.
In minor upsets, seven-time champions Egypt also needed an added-time Mohamed Salah penalty to rescue a 2-2 draw with Mozambique, while three-time winners the Super Eagles of Nigeria could only play a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.
Mali joined the giant-killing Namibia on three points in Group E tonight with a 2-0 win over South Africa, also in Korhogo.
After Percy Tau missed a penalty for South Africa in the first half, Mali took control in the second half and struck twice.
Hamari Traore got the Eagles of Mali on their way with the opening goal on the hour mark, tapping home from a rebound, while Lassine Sinayoko sealed the win six minutes later with a composed finish after outmuscling his marker.
Earlier, AFCON 2013 losing finalists Burkina Faso needed a late, late goal to beat Mauritania in a Group F clash in Bouake.
Aston Villa forward Bertrand Traore, who was a second half substitute, converted a penalty in the sixth minute of stoppage time to hand the Stallions of Burkina Faso all three points.
PHOTO: Mali celebrating against South Africa.
