Namibia shifts focus amid AFCON 2025 qualification struggles

Namibia’s Brave Warriors face Cameroon on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in an AFCON 2025 qualifier. However, with no points from their first four matches in Group J, the team has shifted its priorities, aiming instead to restore pride and focus on future objectives, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Brave Warriors, who impressed by reaching the Round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, have struggled to replicate that success.

Four consecutive defeats in the ongoing qualification campaign have left the team rooted to the bottom of their group, effectively eliminating them from contention for a spot in next year’s tournament in Morocco.

Despite the disappointing run, head coach Collin Benjamin emphasized the importance of fighting for honor in their remaining matches.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Cameroon, he stated:

“It’s an interesting match, in the sense that we are playing against a very good team. A team that is already qualified, and for us, we know that we are not in the race.

But I think there is still a lot at stake. The most important thing is pride. We are Brave Warriors against adversity, we have to fight.

We have to fight to exist, and that is what we are looking for in this match, which is not easy, but we have to find a good balance. I am convinced that we will have a good match.”

Following their game against Cameroon, Namibia will close their qualifying campaign with a fixture against Kenya on November 19.

Regardless of the outcome, the Brave Warriors have begun to redirect their energy toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they have fared much better.

Namibia currently sits second in Group H with eight points after four matches, a position that provides hope for the future.

Benjamin confirmed this shift in focus, explaining the team’s new strategy:

“I think our focus now is on building and developing our game for these World Cup matches. The players had a really good discussion today.

We’re thinking about it, and it’s really preparation for that, and we’re looking forward to it.”

While their AFCON 2025 journey may end in disappointment, Namibia is determined to use the experience as a stepping stone.

The Brave Warriors aim to fortify their squad and regain competitive momentum as they set their sights on a brighter World Cup campaign.