Namibia reach last 16 for first time

… S’ Africa go through Namibia booked a first ever appearance in the last 16 of the African Cup of Nations by holding a Mali side who topped Group E by virtue of the point. The draw puts Namibia, who came closest to scoring when Prins Tjiueza hit the post, through as one of the […]

• … S’ Africa go through

Namibia booked a first ever appearance in the last 16 of the African Cup of Nations by holding a Mali side who topped Group E by virtue of the point.

The draw puts Namibia, who came closest to scoring when Prins Tjiueza hit the post, through as one of the group stage’s four best third-placed teams.

Namibia survived a late onslaught from the West Africans to emulate fellow minnows Mauritania’s achievement of reaching the knock-out stages for the first time.

The Brave Warriors will take on Group D winners Angola in the first knock-out round while Mali face Burkina Faso.

Meanwhile, South Africa reached the last 16 with a goalless draw against Tunisia which eliminated the 2004 champions.

Sphephelo Sithole had Bafana Bafana’s best chance, forcing Bechir Ben Said into a low save with his shot from outside the box.

Tunisia failed to create clear openings but Haythem Jouini headed a late opportunity over the bar as they joined Ghana and Algeria on the Afcon scrapheap after going out of the competition with barely a whimper.

Tunisia’s only clear opportunity came right at the death, when the substitute Haythem Jouini header over from six yards.

A goal then would have put Tunisia through and South Africa out who held their nerve to see out five minutes of added time.