Softfootball previews the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash between Namibia and Cameroon, offering predictions, team insights, and potential lineups for the Wednesday face-off.
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In this high-stakes encounter, Namibia, already out of contention, will play for pride, while Cameroon seeks to solidify their Group J lead and clinch their spot as group winners.
Match Preview
In Group J action for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Namibia meets five-time AFCON champions Cameroon at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday. For Namibia, the campaign has been disappointing, with four consecutive losses that have left them without a shot at qualifying. Cameroon, on the other hand, is eager to establish a five-point lead and officially secure the group’s top position.
Namibia’s Recent Form
Namibia’s qualifying hopes came to an end on October 14, following a tough 3-1 loss to Zimbabwe at the Orlando Stadium. Despite holding Zimbabwe to a 0-0 scoreline at halftime, Namibia couldn’t withstand the second-half pressure. Zimbabwe’s Walter Musona netted twice, and Prince Dube added another goal in the 89th minute, making Godwin Eiseb’s 90th-minute consolation goal inconsequential. Namibia also fell to Zimbabwe earlier on October 10 in a close 1-0 match, marking back-to-back losses.
A key struggle for Namibia has been scoring, managing just two goals across four qualifiers, while their defensive form has also faltered, with seven goals conceded. Namibia also exited the African Nations Championship early after a first-round penalty shootout loss to Lesotho, following a 1-1 aggregate draw.
Cameroon’s Strong Qualifying Run
Cameroon heads into Wednesday’s game riding high after consecutive wins, including a 1-0 victory over Libya on October 4. The standout moment came from midfielder Boris Enow, who scored a memorable long-range free-kick in his Cameroon debut. With this win, Cameroon secured their second straight victory over Libya, following an initial 1-0 win against Namibia on September 7 and a goalless draw with Zimbabwe three days later.
The Indomitable Lions sit atop Group J with 10 points from 12 possible, just two points ahead of Zimbabwe. They remain unbeaten across six matches in all competitions, which includes a recent 4-1 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup qualifying campaign, where they currently lead Group D.
Team News and Lineup
Namibia Team News
Namibia’s 28-man squad for November’s qualifiers features some prominent players, including Edward Maova, Deon Hotto, and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile, who boasts 16 goals from 49 international caps since his 2014 debut. Shalulile will likely lead the attack alongside Prins Menelik Tjiueza and Bethuel Muzeu.
Namibia’s back line is expected to include Riaan Hanamub, Charles Hambira, and Baggio Tuli-Ngenovali Nashixwa, while Aprocius Petrus and Paulus Amutenya will likely anchor the midfield.
Namibia Predicted Lineup:
Maova; Hanamub, Hambira, Nashixwa; Hotto, Petrus, Amutenya, Kamberipa; Shalulile, Tjiueza, Mazeu
Cameroon Team News
Cameroon has called up a star-studded 26-man squad, including Premier League goalkeeper Andre Onana, Napoli’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and experienced striker Vincent Aboubakar. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has excelled in the Premier League this season with eight goals and one assist, is also expected to start in the attack.
At the back, Nouhou Tolo, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Michael Ngadeu, and Hellas Verona’s Jackson Tchatchoua formed the defensive core against Libya and are likely to retain their positions for Wednesday’s match.
Cameroon Predicted Lineup:
Onana; Tolo, Castelletto, Ngadeu, Tchatchoua; Baleba, Anguissa, Hongla; Aboubakar, Mbuemo, Bassogog
Prediction
Cameroon has enjoyed a smooth AFCON qualifying run, remaining unbeaten and holding a two-point lead at the top of Group J. Namibia, on the other hand, has lost seven consecutive matches in all competitions, facing defensive challenges and an inability to convert in the final third. Given their contrasting forms, Cameroon is favored to continue their streak and claim victory at the Orlando Stadium.
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