AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Comoros recover from Cameroon defeat to beat Namibia

Comoros have bounced back from their disappointing opening-day defeat to Cameroon with a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Group G encounter at the Stade Omnisports de Malouzini saw the hosts produce a determined performance to claim their first three points of the qualifying campaign and put themselves back into contention in the group.

Comoros entered the match needing a positive response after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Cameroon in their opening fixture.

They were also up against a Namibia side that had started their campaign on a winning note, beating Congo 1-0 in their first Group G encounter.

The opening half proved to be a closely contested affair, with neither side able to find the breakthrough.

Comoros looked to make home advantage count, but Namibia remained organised and ensured the hosts were unable to create the decisive opening before the interval.

The first half eventually ended goalless, leaving both teams needing to find a way through after the restart.

Comoros returned from the break with greater attacking intent and were rewarded in the 54th minute when Benjaloud Youssouf broke the deadlock.

Youssouf’s goal gave the hosts the advantage they had been searching for and changed the complexion of the contest, with Namibia now forced to chase an equaliser.

The visitors attempted to respond and looked for a way back into the game, but Comoros defended their lead effectively.

The hosts remained disciplined during the closing stages and managed the game to protect their slender advantage.

When the final whistle sounded, Comoros had secured a crucial 1-0 victory and three valuable points

The result represents an important recovery for Comoros after their 3-1 loss to Cameroon in the opening round.

Rather than allowing that defeat to derail their campaign, they have responded immediately and now have three points from their first two matches.

Namibia, meanwhile, were unable to follow up their opening victory over Congo with another positive result.

The Brave Warriors had defeated Congo 1-0 in their first qualifier, but Youssouf’s second-half strike was enough to hand them their first defeat of the campaign.

The result leaves both Comoros and Namibia with one victory and one defeat after two rounds of matches in Group G.

Comoros will now look to build on the momentum gained from their home victory as they continue their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Namibia, on the other hand, will be determined to recover from the setback and return to winning ways in their next qualifying fixture.

With the group still tightly contested, both teams remain firmly involved in the qualification race as the battle for places at the 2027 AFCON continues.