Angola 3-0 Namibia: Gelson-inspired Palancas Negras wait on Nigeria after Namibia rout

A brace from Gelson Dala and a beautiful goal from Mabululu powered Angola past a helpless Namibia in the first match of the knockout stage at the AFCON on Saturday. 

Both teams finished with ten men, with Angola showing their superiority over the Brave Warriors to seal their place in the quarterfinal of the AFCON 2023 and set up a potential clash against Nigeria or Cameroon.

The duo of Gelson and Mabululu proved just too good for their neighbours from Namibia, the Brave Warriors.

After a historic place in the round of 16, Namibia looked set to continue its fairytale when Angola were reduced to 10 men following the sending off of goalkeeper Neblu in the 17th minute.

However, the Palancras Negras looked anything but the team with a numerical disadvantage as a beautiful team move saw Gelson open the scoring in the 38th minute.

Two minutes later, things went from bad to worse for Namibia, who were also reduced to 10 men before Gelson doubled the advantage with a towering header just before the break.

Mabululu would wrap things up after the hour mark with the best goal of the night off a Gelson pass to send Angola through to the quarterfinals.