Namibia will start preparations in May for the upcoming 2019 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) games against Morocco, South Africa and Ivory Coast following the draw on Friday.

Coach Ricardo Mannetti, reacting to the draw, says the Brave Warriors will be the underdogs and will go to Egypt to enjoy themselves and make Namibia proud.

“Perfect draw for the underdogs. They will not focus on us but on themselves and this is exactly where I want to be,” Mannetti states.

He adds that they have nothing to lose and will go about their business in the best possible way to make Namibia proud.

“We will start our preparations from the 26th of May in one of the neighbouring countries of Egypt. We need to make sure we prepare under the same conditions as it will be very hot in Egypt,” says Mannetti.

The Brave Warriors will be based in Cairo and open Group D with a date against Morocco on June 23 before taking on South Africa on June 28, both at Al Salam Stadium. They will play the final group game against Ivory Coast on 1 July at Cairo International Stadium.

“Also, we will need to be around other countries so that we can easily play friendlies with other countries with minimal travelling and so our camp destination, to be confirmed soon will be very close to Egypt,” states Mannetti.

The coach insists that their goal is to win a first Afcon finals game.

“We will try to win a game and see how it goes. It will sufficient for us and anything can happen at these finals.”