The qualifiers' surprise package were within a whisker of finishing third in Group 10, but an injury time killer goal from Muna Katupose completed a superb 3-2 victory at Ethiopia to send the Namibians through as group leaders. Despite being introduced to CAF only 15 years ago, Namibia reached two African Cup of Nations finals, the last of which was in 1998 in Burkina Faso. The Brave Warriors' 1998 task could be described as a courageous debut, after they scored seven goals in three group games, but could not match South Africa and Ivory Coast. Namibia's qualifying campaign for this year's competition was more than impressive though, as they managed to oust CAN 2006 participants Libya and DR Congo. However, its was Ben Bamfuchile who led the team into the Ghana finals, but the Zambian coach has quit one month before the tournament, following a rift with the Namibian Football Association. It is now up to Dutch manager Arie Schans to guide the tournament's underdogs through a lethal Group A, including hosts Ghana, Morocco and Guinea. Manager: Arie Schans The shocking resignation of Ben Bamfuchile at such a crucial stage was a definite blow to the Namibians' Nations Cup ambitions, and new coach Arie Schans will face a mission impossible task with the team in Ghana. The Dutchman does not possess a notable history compared with his predecessor, who is no less than a hero in Namibia after leading the Brave Warriors to the finals. Schans' managerial experience in the Dark Continent does not exceed a one-year spell as technical advisor in Mozambique last year. The 56-year-old worked with Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai, and he also had spells in Japan and Bhutan. Star Player: Collin Benjamin Benjamin is one of very few Namibians to march their way into one of Europe's high-profile league competitions. The Hamburg SV midfielder, who can play in defensive midfield role or at the right flank, is a prominent figure in the Bundesliga side's midfield with his physical presence and versatility. Benjamin is the current skipper of the Brave Warriors, were he has won over 30 caps since making his debut in 1999. The 29-year-old, who played over 100 games for HSV since 2001, also played for Germania Schnelsen and Raspo Elmshorn.
