Angola have progressed to the quarter-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast for just the third-ever time, beating 3-0 Namibia in a dramatic contest that saw both sides reduced to 10 men.
It was lots of actions in the first half, as two goals and two red cards punctuated a frantic opening 45 minutes. It started in the worst possible way for Angola, when goalkeeper Neblú received a straight red card after he handled the ball out the box, following an attempted chip from Namibia forward Bethuel Muzeu.
Even with a numerical disadvantage, Angola’s attacking efforts would not be hindered, as Gelson Dala put them in front in the 38th minute.
Trailing by a goal to nil, Namibia had plenty of work to do, but their task became even more difficult when they were reduced to 10 men. Referee Beida Dahane sent off defender Lubeni Pombili Haukongo after a second-yellow card.
From the freekick Haukongo had conceded, Angola actually doubled their lead, with Dala rising highest in the 18-yard box to nod home his second of the afternoon.
After the chaos in the first period, it was no surprise to see things calm down early in the second half, with Angola sitting back in an attempt to protect their lead. The Black Sable Antelopes remained dangerous on the counter-attack though, which is exactly how they found their third goal.
Breaking in behind a stretched Namibian defence, Mabululu curled home a stylish right-footed effort midway through the second half to wrap up the win for Angola.
A memorable night for Angola, whose last quarter-final appearance at AFCON came when they were host nation back in 2010, with Gonçalves now looking to go at least one step further this time around.
As for Namibia, their first-ever AFCON knockout fixture ends in disappointment.
