Full-house at Warriors training

Full-house at Warriors training The Brave Warriors had a full-house at training yesterday, with all 25 available players turning up, as the team prepares for an Afcon qualifier showdown with Guinea-Bissau on Saturday.

A win would all but ensure qualification for the 2019 continental showpiece.

Warrior's mentor Ricardo Mannetti said Wangu Gome, who is suffering from a knee injury, will not be replaced after 26 players were initially called up for a training camp.

He said 25 players are available, including the doubtful Deon Hotto and the bereaved Riaan Hanamub, who lost his dad on Monday.

Namibia started their Afcon campaign poorly, losing 0-1 to Guinea-Bissau last year and then drawing 1-1 with Zambia at home in August, before taking six points home and away from Mozambique in September.

“We have to be on top of our game on Saturday against Guinea-Bissau.

“They are a strong side that like to mix up their game. They are not topping the group by fluke and they did not appear at the last Afcon tournament by surprise, they know their business and we need to respect that and try to handle them and overcome that for our own cause,” Mannetti said.

He added the opposition's aerial strength will be something they need to contain.

“They are a very psychical side, with so much aerial strength, and they will be very dangerous at deep set-pieces, and we need to be aware of that at all times. This game will be defining for so many reasons and we will prepare thoroughly to make the nation proud,” Mannetti added.

Whoever wins the match is basically guaranteed a spot at next year's Afcon finals.

After Saturday's match, the Warriors will play Zambia in March 2019.

The overall group winner and the runner-up will qualify for the 32nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations to be played in Cameroon from 15 June to 13 July next year.

Tickets for Saturday's showdown are selling for N$50 at Computicket outlets at Shoprite and Checkers stores countrywide, as well as Football House in Katutura.

NFA