Namibia put up a great battle before two late goals gave the Ivory Coast a 3-1 victory in their Africa Women Championships match on Tuesday night.
Playing at a packed Sam Nujoma Stadium, the Ivory Coast took the lead on 13 minutes when Namibian keeper Lydia Eixas fumbled a free kick and Nahi Josee was on hand to stab the loose ball into the net.
Namibia however came back in style as Zenatha Coleman, playing at centre forward, sparked their revival. She sent a free kick inches over the bar on 19 minutes but then a minute later struck a great 30 metre free kick that flew high and dipped in under the post and over the outstretched arms of the Elephants’ keeper Angie Thiamale.
The stadium erupted and with the crowd urging them on and the atmosphere electric, more chances came Namibia’s way.
The Brave Gladiators were desperately unlucky when they were denied a goal on 39 minutes when Coleman hit the back of the net, but the referee had already blown her whistle and awarded a free kick to Namibia for an earlier foul.
In a pulsating second half the teams weighed up evenly until the final ten minutes when the Ivory Coast finally gained the upper hand and Tia N’Rehy scored two goals to secure their victory.
Her first goal came on 83 minutes after a fine run and cross from the left by captain Nahi Josee that she volleyed into the net, while the second came from a free kick three minutes into injury time.
The result sees the Ivory Coast drawing level with Namibia on three points, but with the Elephants having to play winless Zambia in their final group match, while Namibia must face log leaders Nigeria, the Ivory Coast will now hold the psychological advantage to go through to the semifinals.
Ivory Coast defender Tiegnou Coulibaly won the Player of the Match award.
