Match Overview
Zimbabwe is set to host Namibia for the second time in a matter of days in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash on Tuesday at the Johannesburg Stadium. Both teams have been playing their home games in South Africa due to stadium issues in their own countries, but this time, fans will be allowed in, providing a significant boost to the home side.
Match Preview
In their previous meeting last Thursday, Zimbabwe secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia, courtesy of a first-half penalty converted by Khama Billiat. This result put Zimbabwe on track to maintain an unbeaten record in their AFCON qualifying campaign, with a win, and two draws to their name. After struggling in the wake of a FIFA ban, this recent victory marked their first win over Namibia since 2008 and suggests that the Warriors are beginning to regain their form.
Despite their unbeaten status in Group J, Zimbabwe’s scoring has been concerning, having netted just one goal throughout the qualifiers so far. With a large fan base in South Africa, Zimbabwe aims to harness the support to replicate their success from the reverse fixture.
In contrast, Namibia finds itself in a precarious situation, sitting at the bottom of the group with no points after losing all three of their matches. Their recent form has been alarming, suffering four consecutive defeats across all competitions. The loss to Zimbabwe exacerbated their challenges, leaving their AFCON qualification hopes hanging by a thread. This decline is surprising given that Namibia had a strong seven-match unbeaten streak earlier in the year, including impressive performances in World Cup qualifiers and the COSAFA Cup.
Historically, Namibia has had the edge in head-to-head matchups, winning five of their nine encounters with Zimbabwe. They will need to summon that historical advantage to secure a positive result in this critical clash.
Team News
For Zimbabwe, defender Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen) remains sidelined due to injury, along with forward Tino Kadewere (Nantes), limiting their attacking options at a time when they have struggled to score.
Namibia has no significant absences and will rely on talents from the South African Premiership, including Deon Hotto, Lloydt Kazapua, and Riaan Hanamub, to lead their charge. Rewaldo Prins, Petrus Kamati, and Tjahikika Mbakondja, who were previously on the bench, will be aiming to contribute more significantly in this match.
Possible Lineups
Zimbabwe:
– Formation: 4-2-3-1
– Starting XI: Arubi; Godknows, Takwara, Galloway, Zemura; Rinomhota, Nakamba; Msendami, Munetsi, Billiat; Dzvukamanja
Namibia:
– Formation: 4-2-3-1
– Starting XI: Maova; Katia, Amutenya, Shalulile, Hambira; Hanamub, Hotto, Kasume, Kamberipa; Tijueza, Petrus
While Zimbabwe has struggled to find the back of the net, their solid defensive setup and the support from their home crowd in South Africa could play a pivotal role in securing another narrow victory. Namibia will need to capitalize on any opportunities to turn their fortunes around, but Zimbabwe’s recent form and home advantage suggest that the Warriors are likely to claim another win.
