Namibia is gearing up for one of its toughest challenges yet in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers as they prepare to face Cameroon in a Group J clash at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off set for 3:00 pm CAT.
With a string of four consecutive losses in the qualifiers, Namibia’s Brave Warriors are entering their final group games hoping to salvage some pride.
Their upcoming fixture against Cameroon will be followed by a second game against Kenya on 19 November at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Namibia, currently at the bottom of Group J, has struggled to find their footing throughout the qualifying campaign and is now mathematically out of contention for a spot at AFCON 2025.
Meanwhile, Cameroon, who sits comfortably atop the group with 10 points from four matches, has already secured their place in the tournament.
The Indomitable Lions have shown consistent form, remaining unbeaten in the qualifiers.
Their most recent victory was a narrow 1-0 win over Kenya at the Mandela National Stadium, and they also clinched a 1-0 victory over Namibia in their first group encounter on 7 September, courtesy of a decisive 65th-minute goal from Vincent Aboubakar.
Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin spoke candidly about his team’s AFCON journey, admitting that while they hadn’t achieved the results they had hoped for, the Brave Warriors put up a spirited fight.
Reflecting on their campaign, he noted that the small margins in their losses reflect a resilient squad.
“It’s definitely not the results we were hoping for, especially after making history in January at AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire,” Benjamin said. “We are disappointed, but we know this is how football works.
The team competed very well; the boys went out there despite all the issues back home and did their best.
That is evident in the defeat margins, which are very small. We take the defeats head-on, dust ourselves off, and keep fighting because that is what we are made of.”
Despite being out of contention, Benjamin emphasized that Namibia’s remaining games are far from a mere formality.
“We are out of the competition, but that doesn’t mean the upcoming games will be a run in the park.
All the other teams want to qualify, and we are going to make it worth their while.”
For their upcoming qualifiers, Namibia has named a squad rich in experience, featuring key players such as Deon Hotto, Peter Shalulile, and goalkeeper Edward Maova.
The defensive line is expected to include regulars like Riaan Hanamub, Charles Hambira, and Tuli-Ngenovali Nashixwa, who may form a back three against Cameroon in an effort to withstand their opponent’s potent attack.
Cameroon, despite having already secured qualification, has assembled a strong squad for their remaining qualifiers.
Goalkeeper André Onana, forward Bryan Mbuemo, and star striker Vincent Aboubakar are among the high-profile players set to take the field.
Cameroon’s strategy seems clear—they aim to keep their competitive momentum as they approach the tournament.
Head-to-Head Record:
– Matches: 3
– Namibia Wins: 1
– Cameroon Wins: 1
– Draws: 1
With both teams determined to end their qualifying campaigns on a high note, Namibia and Cameroon’s upcoming clash promises an intense battle.
While Cameroon looks to maintain their unbeaten streak, Namibia hopes to demonstrate their resilience and finish strong, despite an ultimately disappointing qualifying bid.
