Namibia coach Collin Benjamin has revealed his players’ condition as they prepare to face Angola in the first game of the Round of 16 2023 Africa Cup of Nations fixture at Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Saturday.

The Brave Warriors recorded their first and only win in the history of the AFCON after beating Tunisia 1-0, and the victory played a vital role in their qualification to the knockout phase while Angola managed to top Group D with seven points. They recorded wins over Mauritania and Burkina Faso and a draw with Algeria.

“We have some good technical players with big hearts and there is the signature of the coach, there are some players who have been with the team since 2019, and there is continuity and security. We are a very good team, our boys are happy to be here and there is more fun. It’s the determination,” said Benjamin.

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“It’s ambition, it’s mentality, these boys want to succeed and they understand everything about the team. We are aware of what to do, and it is very important to have a stable defense, We want to be part of the best 16 teams in Africa and we are among the best 16, it is a motivation in itself. I don’t remember if Namibia will go into any game with the odds favoring us, it will always go against us.

“I agree that there is no small team left in the tournament anymore. Our coaches are educated to know that players are playing at good levels, and they are hungry.”