10-man Angola shock Namibia to Advance into AFCON quarter Finals

Ivory Coast, 

Saturday, 27 January, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Angola blocked their ticket into the quarter finals of African cup of Nations (AFCON) by crashing out Namibia 3-0 on Saturday. 

It was only the third-ever time that Angola have reached the Quarters in the tournament's onset. 

A dramatic first half saw both teams reduced to 10 men but Angola didn't seem to suffer the blow much as it appeared. 

Angola who have emerged as surprise favorites were the first to face the referees shocker when goalkeeper Neblu received a straight red card for handling outside the penalty area, following an attempted chip from Namibia forward Bethuel Muzeu.

However, the set back did not stop Angola from attacking and their efforts paid off moments later as Gelson Dala find the net after a nicely worked move giving Pedro Concalves men the lead. 

Things got out of hand for trailing Namibia when they suffered a second yellow card through Lubeni Pombili Haukongo. 

The free kick resulting from the mistake earned Angola their double with Dala rising highest in the 18-yard box to nod home his second of the afternoon.

The second half looked calm for the leading side as they were more inspired to protect their lead from an intensively pressing Namibia side. 

The Black Sable Antelopes earned their third goal from a surprise counter attack breaking in behind a stretched Namibian defence, Mabululu curled home a stylish right-footed effort midway through the second half to wrap up the win for Angola.

A memorable night for Angola, whose last quarter-final appearance at AFCON came when they were host nation back in 2010, with Gonçalves now looking to go at least one step further this time around.

Angola will face off Nigeria's Super Eagles in the quarter finals encounter looking to see their way into their first semi final in the competition.