Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying: Namibia and Congo draw level at half-time

Namibia and Congo were locked at 0-0 at half-time in their opening Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match on Thursday.

The Group G contest produced a lively first 45 minutes, with both sides creating opportunities, although neither could find a breakthrough.

Namibia made the brighter start, with Peter Shalulile having an effort blocked inside the penalty area in the second minute. The forward then headed wide from Deon Hotto’s cross three minutes later.

Aprocius Petrus was next to threaten, but Congo goalkeeper Perrauld Ndinga kept out his effort from a tight angle in the seventh minute. Shalulile was denied by Ndinga again in the 15th minute as the Brave Warriors continued to apply pressure.

Congo gradually grew into the match and began to create chances of their own. Geltany Bantsiele saw his shot blocked in the Namibia penalty area in the ninth minute, before Christ Makosso’s long-range attempt was also stopped six minutes later.

The visitors came close again in the 34th minute when Domi Massoumou headed wide. Christopher Ibayi then failed to hit the target with a shot from the penalty spot area five minutes before the interval.

Namibia pressed for an opening goal during the closing stages of the half, but Congo held firm. Wendell Rudath was shown a yellow card in the 40th minute, while Shalulile was caught offside two minutes later.

After 45 minutes, the score remained Namibia 0-0 Congo.