Hotto shocks Tunisia with historic late winner for Namibia

Deon Hotto scored on 88 minutes to offer minnows Namibia a shock 1-0 win over former champions Tunisia on Tuesday in Korhogo as Group E kicked off within the Africa Cup of Nations.

It was the primary victory for the Courageous Warriors within the competitors after two attracts and 7 losses since they debuted in 1998.

Hotto, who performs for South African membership Orlando Pirates, raced ahead to powerfully head a Bethuel Muzeu cross previous goalkeeper Bechir Ben Mentioned.

Hotto had the ball within the internet once more in added time, however the purpose was dominated out by a marginal offside resolution.

Earlier than the dramatic end, Tunisia had extra possession however Namibia had extra purpose makes an attempt and extra pictures on track.

Defeat spoilt what Tunisia captain Youssef Msakni hoped can be a memorable night time as he equalled the report of finals appearances by taking part in at a Cup of Nations an eighth time.

Tunisia got here near scoring after simply 4 minutes when a header from skilled ahead Taha Yassine Khenissi was parried to security by goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua.

Peter Shalulile, who performs for perennial South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns and is the captain and star of the Namibian aspect, had a snapshot saved by Ben Mentioned quickly after.

Having targeting defending within the early levels, Namibia regularly turned extra offensive towards the 2004 African champions.

Scorching warmth

Khenissi was pressured off injured after simply quarter-hour and Haythem Jouini took his place within the Tunisian assault.

A poor cross contained in the field from Hotto introduced a disappointing finish to a promising transfer that threatened to interrupt the stalemate.

Halfway by means of the opening half the referee halted play for a water break to the aid of each groups with the temperature on the 1700 native (GMT) time kick-off 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).

Aliou Cisse, coach of 2022 Cup of Nations winners Senegal, mentioned this week that it’s tough to play in such warmth.

“I’m interesting to CAF (Confederation of African Soccer) to take a look at the problem of kick-off occasions, significantly these matches beginning at 1400 native (GMT) time,” he advised reporters.

There was a dramatic begin to the second half on the 20,000-capacity Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly as Msakni got here agonisingly near placing the Carthage Eagles in entrance.

His near-post header off a nook was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Kazapua, who is simply the reserve goalkeeper at South African top-flight membership Chippa United.

The primary alternative at Chippa is Stanley Nwabili, who can be on the African soccer showpiece and performed for Nigeria in a draw towards Equatorial Guinea two days in the past.

In a while Tuesday, Mali sort out South Africa within the second match of a Group E double-header in probably the most northern of the 5 Ivorian cities internet hosting matches.