Namibia and Zimbabwe are set to clash in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Orlando Stadium, with both teams eager to secure their first wins. Namibia seeks to overcome their early defeats, while Zimbabwe aims for success after drawing in their initial matches. The encounter will occur behind closed doors, and both sides face key player absences due to injury.
Namibia and Zimbabwe are set to contend for victory in the latest round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The match will take place at Orlando Stadium this Thursday, with the kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM CAT. Namibia commenced their qualification campaign poorly, having suffered two consecutive defeats, first to Cameroon and subsequently to Kenya. Following their 2-1 loss to Kenya on September 10 at the same venue, Namibia fell to the fourth spot in Group J. In contrast, Zimbabwe’s performance in the qualifiers has been marginally more successful; however, they too remain winless after drawing both their initial matches against Kenya and Cameroon with 0-0 results. Currently, Zimbabwe sits in third place in Group J, two points adrift of group leaders Kenya and second-placed Cameroon. In an interesting twist, the upcoming match on Thursday will be played behind closed doors at the request of Namibia. In a statement, the Zimbabwean Football Association expressed, “Please note that the Warriors’ Thursday game vs Namibia will be played behind closed doors at Namibia’s behest… our home game on Monday 14 October is open to all.” Unfortunately for Zimbabwe, the national team will be without the duo of Tino Kadewere and Tawanda Chirewa due to calf and thigh injuries, respectively. Nevertheless, Zimbabwe’s squad will welcome back Khama Billiat, a former standout player for Mamelodi Sundowns, who recently came out of international retirement. Furthermore, Marvelous Nakamba will rejoin the squad after recovering from injury. Namibia’s selection is heavily laden with players from the Premier Soccer League, including well-regarded talents such as Deon Hotto, Lloydt Kazapua, and Riaan Hanamub. Coach Collin Benjamin has also included Rewaldo Prins, Petrus Kamati, and Tjahikika Mbakondja in the roster. Historic data reveals a favorable record for Namibia in their recent encounters, having won four out of the last five matches against Zimbabwe. The last victory for Zimbabwe over Namibia dates back to 2017 when they secured a 1-0 win in an AFCON qualifying match held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are critical for both Namibia and Zimbabwe as they aim to secure a place in the prestigious tournament. Currently, in Group J, these teams are facing significant challenges in their qualification campaigns, with Namibia coming off two early losses and Zimbabwe struggling to secure victories. The match at Orlando Stadium represents a vital opportunity for both teams to regain their footing and boost their chances of qualification. The circumstances surrounding the match, including behind-closed-doors conditions for one fixture, add further dimensions to the competitive landscape. Historical performance also plays a role, as Namibia has generally had the upper hand in their recent meetings with Zimbabwe.
In summary, the upcoming match between Namibia and Zimbabwe in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers is a crucial fixture for both teams. With Namibia seeking to reverse their poor start against a slightly more successful Zimbabwe side, both teams have much at stake. The dynamics of the match, coupled with the historical advantage that Namibia holds, set the stage for a compelling encounter. The absence of key players for Zimbabwe due to injuries may also impact their performance. As both teams aim to secure vital points, the outcome of this match could significantly influence their paths towards qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Original Source: africanfootball.com
