Black Sable Antelopes ready to attack Brave Warriors

Angola will go head to head with their neighbours Namibia in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match at the Stade de Bouake in Bouake on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

The Black Sable Antelopes of Angola reached this stage of the tournament as Group D winners after securing a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

Angola are enjoying an eight-match unbeaten run across all competitions having recorded six consecutive draws and two successive victories.

Meanwhile, Namibia drew 0-0 with Mali in their final Group E match on Wednesday which saw them advance to the Round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.

The draw extended the Brave Warriors' winless run to two matches across all competitions having registered one draw and one defeat.

TEAM NEWS

It is unclear whether Angola duo Bruno Paz and Fredy will be available for selection against Namibia after being substituted against Burkina Faso with knocks.

Namibia, on the other hand, are yet to report injuries in their camp and there are no suspensions for either team. 

WHAT WAS SAID?

Angola head coach Pedro Goncalves

“We achieved a historic record after we were able to win two consecutive matches. I am very happy for these young men," Goncalves said.

"This victory is confirmation that we have passed the group stage. Now we will rest and then we will prepare for the next match. We were smart throughout the match, especially during the important moments. 

"We faced Burkina Faso, which is considered an excellent team. I also dedicate this victory to all my family. I always work, even with my family,”

Namibia head Collin Benjamin

“Thanks to our character and mentality we managed to have this qualification. It was not written for us," Benjamin said.

“When we came here a few weeks ago, no one believed in us. We were told that we were small. We were counting the goals we were going to concede. But we showed that we were strong.

“This is the message that I and my players sent today. Allow every Namibian to have dreams, that the dream is allowed for everyone but you have to work to make this dream come true”.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mabululu, Angola: The 31-year-old striker was one of Black Sable Antelopes' standout players in the group stage finding the back of the net in two of their three matches and he could be key to a win over Namibia.

Deon Hotto: The versatile player was influential during the Brave Warriors' group stage campaign - picking up two Man of the Match accolades. Hotto will be determined to inspire his side to a win over Angola.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Angola and Namibia have met 12 times across all competitions. The Black Sable Antelopes boast an unbeaten record against the Brave Warriors having recorded six wins and six draws.

The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 0-0 draw in a friendly match played in Angola in December 2011.