Gelson Dala shone as Angola secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Namibia in Bouake on Saturday.
Dala’s brace, raising his AFCON goal tally to four, propelled Angola to victory despite playing with 10 men for most of the match. The surprise package of the tournament, Angola will now face Nigeria in the quarter-finals next Friday.
The match witnessed an eventful first half with Dala netting twice and Angola goalkeeper Neblu receiving a red card. Namibia also suffered a blow with defender Lubeni Haukongo sent off, leaving both teams with 10 players each before halftime.
Angola’s winning margin of 3-0 set a new record for the team, surpassing their previous two-goal victories in the tournament.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Angola, who defied expectations by finishing atop their group, ahead of stronger contenders like Burkina Faso and Mauritania.
Namibia, on the other hand, struggled to match Angola’s performance, with their best efforts failing to break through Angola’s defense.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Angola demonstrated resilience and control throughout the match, sealing their victory with a goal from veteran Mabululu in the second half.
Namibia showed determination in the face of defeat, with goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua making notable saves to prevent further goals.
In the end, Angola’s dominant display secured their place in the quarter-finals, signaling their intent to make a deep run in the tournament.
The match showcased the competitive spirit and talent of African football, setting the stage for thrilling encounters as the tournament progresses.
Ada Peter
