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2019 Africa Cup of Nations: Group D preview

By Liam Bekker

12 April 2019, Egypt, Giza: Retired Cameroonian footballer Rigobert Song (R) stands on stage next to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy during the draw for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations at the Pyramids of Giza. The championship is scheduled to take place in Egypt between 21 June and 19 July 2019. Photo: Ahmed Ramadan/dpa (Photo by Ahmed Ramadan/picture alliance via Getty Images)
12 April 2019, Egypt, Giza: Retired Cameroonian footballer Rigobert Song (R) stands on stage next to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy during the draw for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations at the Pyramids of Giza. The championship is scheduled to take place in Egypt between 21 June and 19 July 2019. Photo: Ahmed Ramadan/dpa (Photo by Ahmed Ramadan/picture alliance via Getty Images) /
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Namibia’s Hotto Deon (C) vies Kenya’s Jamal Mohamed (L) and Jerim Onyango (R) during the World Cup 2014 qualifying football match Kenya vs Namibia, on September 8, 2013 in Nairobi. Kenya won 1 to 0. AFP PHOTO/Tony KARUMBA (Photo credit should read TONY KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images)
Namibia’s Hotto Deon (C) vies Kenya’s Jamal Mohamed (L) and Jerim Onyango (R) during the World Cup 2014 qualifying football match Kenya vs Namibia, on September 8, 2013 in Nairobi. Kenya won 1 to 0. AFP PHOTO/Tony KARUMBA (Photo credit should read TONY KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images) /

Namibia

Namibia will be taking part in only their third Africa Cup of Nations tournament and first since 2008. The Southern African minnows are ranked a lowly 113th in the world and are not expected to progress from what is arguably the toughest group in the competition.

Qualification

Ricardo Mannetti’s side qualified second from a group including Guinea-Bissau, Zambia and Mozambique by beating the latter on head-to-head goal difference. Ironically, of all the teams that qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, Namibia’s goal difference in qualifying (-2) was the worst after they conceded seven goals to the five they scored.

The squad

The majority of Namibia’s AFCON squad ply their trade domestically or in one of the top two league’s in neighboring South Africa. There is very little foreign representation within the squad and Blackburn Rovers defender, Ryan Nyambe is probably the most recognizable player to European audiences

The most surprising exclusion is that of Virgil Vries. The former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper endured a torrid season in South Africa and was released mid-way through the campaign but was still expected to star in-goal for Namibia. Max Mbaeva will now likely assume that mantle at the tournament.

Key player: Deon Hotto

Bidvest Wits midfielder Deon Hotto will be the key man for Namibia in Egypt. Over the past two seasons, the 28-year old has been one of the standout players in the South African Premier Division and will look to replicate that form on the international stage.

Much like with his club team, Hotto is the creative hub for Namibia and possesses the ability to execute defense splitting passes. He is also greatly adept at dead-ball situations from which he can match even the best at the tournament.

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