Deon Hotto Gives Namibia First-Ever AFCON Win Against Tunisia

Orlando Pirates’ Deon Hotto scored the main goal as Namibia claimed a surprise win 1-0 over Tunisia in a 2024 AFCON match. Despite having an inferior tag going into the game, the Namibian Brave Warriors proved their mettle on the field.

Inefficient Peter Shalulile failed to convert quality passes in the danger zone, missing several excellent opportunities to score a goal. Deon Hotto saved his captain Shalulile’s blushes in the 88th minute when he headed in substitute Bethuel Muzeu’s cross past goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said to give the Brave Warriors their first win in the Afcon finals.

Lloyd Kazapua, the goalkeeper for Namibia, skillfully marshaled his defense and produced three vital saves to guarantee his team’s point. Keeping a clean sheet at the Africa Cup of Nations against a team like Tunisia is no small feat. The Carthage Eagles entered the league with the intention of competing fiercely and possibly taking home the trophy, but Namibia has taken advantage of them.

To have a chance of moving on to the next round, the North Africans must attempt to win their next two Group E matches against Mali and South Africa, respectively. Namibia had not won any of their games in the Afcon until the match on Tuesday. They had only achieved seven losses and two draws.

But this nation’s first victory under coach Collin Benjamin may be the beginning of excellent things to come in this edition. In order to progress in any competition, a side needs goals, and Namibia’s technical bench will undoubtedly focus on scoring more if they want to move on.

Tunisia’s defense was often breached as they struggled to stop their opponent from raiding them, which is not a good sign this early in the competition.