AFCON Watch: Usuthu Player Update

Riaan Welwin Hanamub of Namibia during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between South Africa and Namibia at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo on 21 January 2024 ©Mehrez Toujani/BackpagePix

AmaZulu FC’s Riaan Hanamub and Veli Mothwa were called up to be a part of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament squad for Namibia and South Africa respectively.

The nations form part of Group E and played against each other yesterday evening. The match ended in an emphatic 4-0 victory for South Africa. South Africa began to pile on pressure from the start of the game, creating opportunities in the early stages.

The pressure paid off nine minutes into the game when the ball hit the hands of a Namibian defender, resulting in a penalty. The decision was initially overlooked, but after consulting with the VAR, Referee Youcef Gamouh awarded the penalty.

Percy Tau successfully converted the spot kick and it was one-way traffic from there as Themba Zwane followed up by grabbing a brace. Thapelo Maseko added the fourth goal for Bafana Bafana to wrap up the match.

Namibia who caused an upset in their first group match against Tunisia, winning 1-0, were optimistic about beating South Africa but could not replicate the result in their second Group E encounter.

Mali is currently leading the standings in the group having claimed a 2-0 victory against South Africa in their opener and playing to a 1-1 draw against Tunisia. South Africa is second but level on points with Namibia, with an advantage due to goal difference.

Usuthu’s Hanamub has featured in both group stage matches for Namibia and Mothwa has been amongst the substitutes as Bafana Bafana’s Ronwen Williams is the first choice goalkeeper.

South Africa will play Tunisia in their final group match and Namibia will take on Mali as both countries have hopes of qualifying for the next round of the AFCON tournament.

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