26 June 2009
Windhoek — The battle between Namibia and the Ivory Coast resumes at the Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday 27 June. After the stalemate of the first leg and the Ivorians' fighting spirit, the Namibian national team has a big battle on its hands.
Namibia will be looking to take advantage of the home grounds, with the crowds behind it and the comfort of playing in familiar surroundings. This, coupled with the extra quality and experience it possesses over its opponents, it should be enough to see the team through.
However, the Ivorians will be full of confidence going into this encounter, as they were able to come from behind twice to claim a creditable draw in Abdjan. They come here with their hopes of reaching a second World Cup final; they will feel they can actually beat Namibia.
The Namibian squad is largely the same from the first leg, with only one enforced change with Jackey Bock replacing the injured Godwan Walters at fly-half.
Namibian Squad: 1. Kees Lensing (Captian). 2. Hugo Horn 3. Marius Visser 4. Nico Esterhuisen 5. Wacca Kazombiaze 6. Jacque Nieuwenhuis 7. Jacque Burger 8. Tinus Du Plessis 9. Jurie van Tonder 10. Jackey Bock 11. Lwelyn Winckler 12. David Philander 13. Peit van Zyl 14. MCgrath van Wyk 15. Chrisander. Botha Bench:16. Shaun Esterhuisen 17. Johnny Redelinghuis 18. Andre de Klerk 19. PJ Van Lill 20. Eugene Janjties 21. Emile Wessels 22. Tinus Venter, Godwan Walters and PJ van Lille.
The Ivory Coast squad: 1. Youboue Marc 2. Diomande Olivier 3. Babou Edgar (Captain) 4. Issa Meite 5. Franck Acho 6. Daouda Kone 7. Serge Jouve 8. Bakary Meite 9. Mohamed Dembele 10. Silvere Tian 11. Candry Tian 12. Lavrent Diomande 13. Jean Maurice Ovlovma 14. Bedel Dogoui 15. Louis Kovandio. Bench: 16. Ibrahima Konate 17. Guy-Pacome Yavo 18. Palo Kinafo Diabate 19. Gaovssov 20. Diack Gassama 21. Arthur Tian 22. Sydney Djiropo.
Potential final opponents Tunisia made themselves firm favourites to reach the final by beating Uganda 41-17, giving Uganda a 24-points difference to bridge away from home on 27 June
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