Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin believes external ‘elements’ influenced the outcome of Namibia’s 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying defeat to Cameroon in Garoua on Saturday.
This is after several calls went against his side, including Vincent Aboubakar’s 65th minute winner which appeared to have been set up from an offside position when he tapped home a rebound off Bryan Mbeumo’s shot.
The Brave Warriors, who frustrated their illustrious hosts for large periods, could have forced a draw or snatched victory altogether, had they capitalised on a flurry of late chances.
The result leaves Namibia bottom of Group J, with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions topping the standings on three points. Kenya and Zimbabwe are joint-second after earning a point each in their goalless draw in Kampala, Uganda, a day earlier.
The Brave Warriors need to get the disappointment of that defeat out of their system and focus on bouncing back at home to Kenya’s Harambee Stars in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Cameroon travel to Kampala to face Zimbabwe’s Warriors.
Benjamin was incensed with the officiating on Saturday and made his feelings known in the post match interview.
He was adamant that the playing field in the Lions’ den was not level.
“I think we played a very good game. I think we created the better chances. I’m proud of my boys, proud of my team,” Benjamin said.
“We played against a very good team. But I think the only disadvantage was here. Yes, Cameroon scored, but we’re also playing against Africa,” he said of the calls that went against the Brave Warriors.
“I don’t want to talk anything about the referees, but I think sometimes we have to be fair. No, I’m not here for atmosphere. It’s soccer, it’s football, it’s good.
“But I still say that we have to check certain things. I think we were the better team. And I think there were some elements in play that were not fair.
“I think it was not fair. So, I think we have to look at that and just try to play in a good spirit,” Benjamin said.
His opposite number, Marc Brys, focused on the result, saying they had to dig deep to attain victory and are now focused on the next match.
“It was difficult, it was hard. It cost us a lot of energy,” Brys says.
“And we have to play a game in three days. So, we have to recover well for the next game.”
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