CAIRO, June 29 (Xinhua) -- A series of 1-0 losses first against Morocco and then another to neighbouring South Africa on Friday resulted in Namibia's Brave Warriors bowing out of the AFCON 2019 in just their second game.
A 66th minute headed goal from Bongani Zungu sealed the three points for South Africa, and banished hopes of Namibia progressing through the group stages, at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Friday night.
Coach Ricardo Mannetti Saturday morning said the result was a bitter pill to swallow after seeing his players a mount spirited effort against both their opponents so far.
"Very tough to lose one nil yet again. We had a better first half as both sides came to play, we had our chances and we couldn't capitalise on them," Mannetti said on Namibia's football website.
Mannetti added that South Africa had upped the tempo in the second half, which ultimately led to their goal.
"Second half became tough because they got stronger, stretching us with Percy Tau and that made it difficult for us. A draw would have been okay but it was not to be and we move on although now it makes it very tough to us."
Namibia will make changes for the game against Cote d'Ivoire.
"We will be different and we remain positive to get something from the final group game against Ivory Coast, a very top side with quality players that can win games. We still have a game to play and we will do our best to finish off with a bang."
The final group games will be on Monday 1 July as Morocco and South Africa meet at Al Salam Stadium and the Brave Warriors takes on Cote d'Ivoire at the 30 June Stadium, both at 18:00.
