AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Namibia v Congo – Preview, talking points and prediction

Namibia begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign when they host Congo in a Group G encounter on Thursday, September 24.

Both sides head into the match struggling for form and have experienced difficulties in front of goal, raising the prospect of a tight and low-scoring contest.

Namibia have failed to score in their last five matches in all competitions, while Congo have failed to find the net in four of their last eight games.

Namibia looking to end poor run

The Brave Warriors missed the last Africa Cup of Nations and begin their latest qualification campaign without a win in their past six matches.

Namibia have suffered five defeats during that run, although they did earn a victory in their most recent outing after defeating Comoros on penalties in a FIFA Series fixture in March.

The match finished 0-0 after 90 minutes before Namibia prevailed 5-4 in the shootout.

Their lack of goals remains a major concern, with Namibia failing to score in five of their last six matches.

Three of their last four games have also produced fewer than 2.5 goals.

Congo also searching for form

Congo are similarly struggling and missed out on the last AFCON tournament.

The Diables Rouges have not played since October 2025 and come into their Group G opener with just one win in their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Their most recent game was a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Morocco, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

Like Namibia, Congo have struggled to score consistently. They have failed to find the net in four of their last eight matches, while five of their last six games have produced fewer than 2.5 goals.

Even record between the sides

Namibia and Congo have been closely matched in their recent meetings, with both teams recording one victory and two draws in their last four encounters.

The two draws came during the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, when the sides played out identical 1-1 results across their two meetings.

Team news and predicted line-ups

Namibia are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Peter Shalulile leading the attack.

Deon Hotto and Bethuel Muzeu are set to provide support in the forward areas, while Aprocius Petrus should feature in midfield.

Ngero Katua is expected to partner Charles Hambira in central defence.

Namibia (4-3-3): Ndisiro Kamaijanda; Riaan Hanamub, Ngero Katua, Charles Hambira, Paulus Amutenya; Wendell Rudath, Tjipe Karuuombe, Aprocius Petrus; Deon Hotto, Bethuel Muzeu, Peter Shalulile.

Congo are expected to use a 4-2-3-1 system, with Mons Bassouamina leading the line.

Gaius Makouta should start in midfield, while Christ Makosso and Janard Mbemba are expected to form the central defensive partnership.

Jordi Mboula and Thievy Bifouma are set to support Bassouamina in attack.

Congo (4-2-3-1): Perrauld Ndinga; Morgan Poaty, Christ Makosso, Janard Mbemba, Brayann Pereira; Antoine Makoumbou, Gaius Makouta; Thievy Bifouma, Merveil Ndockyt, Jordi Mboula; Mons Bassouamina.

Prediction

Both sides have struggled for goals and results heading into their opening Group G fixture.

However, Congo’s recent record against Namibia and the hosts’ difficult run of form make the visitors the predicted winners.

Prediction: Namibia 0-1 Congo