Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 13, 2024 at 1pm UK

Orlando Stadium

Namibiavs.Cameroon

Match preview

It was a disappointing end to Namibia's hopes of reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on October 14th, when they suffered a 3-1 defeat against Zimbabwe at the Orlando Stadium.

At half time, the two teams were level, but Zimbabwe took the lead in the second half thanks to two goals from Walter Musona and Prince Dube's strike in the 89th minute. Godwin Eiseb scored in the 90th minute to give the visiting fans something to cheer about.

This was the second time in a row that Namibia had lost to Zimbabwe in an AFCON qualifier. The Namibians were beaten 1-0 by the Warriors when the two nations met in the first of their Group J double-header on 10 October.

While Collin Benjamin's team has struggled to score goals, with just two in four group games, their main problem has been defending, with seven goals conceded.

Namibia, who have lost all four of their AFCON qualifying games and are currently bottom of the group, go into Wednesday's match having also been knocked out of the African Nations Championship. They were beaten on penalties by Lesotho after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

After losing the first leg 1-0 on 26 October, Lawrence Didibelon scored in the 62nd minute to give the Brave Warriors a 1-0 win in the return leg on 3 November. This took the tie to penalties, where they lost 4-3 at the Free State Stadium.

Cameroon had to work hard to get consecutive wins for the first time in the 2025 AFCON qualifying race. They beat Libya 1-0 on October 4.

Boris Enow, who made his first appearance in a Cameroon shirt, had a great debut as he scored a long-range free kick to help secure a hard-fought victory at the Mandela National Stadium.

This was the second time in a row that Marc Brys's team have beaten Libya. They started their quest for a place in Morocco with a 1-0 win against Namibia on 7 September, three days before playing out a goalless draw with Zimbabwe.

The Indomitable Lions have picked up 10 points from a possible 12 in the qualifiers, which puts them at the top of Group J. They're two points ahead of second-placed Zimbabwe as we head into the final two qualifying matches.

Cameroon are on a six-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. They've drawn two and won four, including a 4-1 win over Cape Verde in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They're currently top of Group D with eight points from four games.

Recent Performance

Namibia Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:LLLL

Namibia form (all competitions):LLLLLL

Cameroon Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WDWW

Cameroon form (all competitions):WDWDWW

Team News

Namibia has announced a 28-player squad for the November qualifiers against Cameroon and Kenya. The team includes notable players like Edward Maova, Deon Hotto, and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile.

Shalulile, who has scored 16 goals in 49 games since his debut in September 2014, will lead the Brave Warriors' attack once again, alongside Prins Menelik Tjiueza and 24-year-old Bethuel Muzeu.

We're expecting Riaan Hanamub, Charles Hambira and Baggio Tuli-Ngenovali Nashixwa to form the Namibia back three once again, while Apostolos Petrus and 22-year-old Paulus Amutenya should team up at the centre of the park.

Cameroon have named a 26-man squad for November's qualifiers that includes Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana, Napoli player André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and veteran forward Vincent Aboubakar.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season. The 25-year-old, who has eight goals and one assist in 11 league games, should join Aboubakar in the Indomitable Lions attack.

In the defence, Nouhou Tolo, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Michael Ngadeu and Hellas Verona's Jackson Tchatchoua started the game against Libya last time out and should keep their roles in the back four.

Possible starting lineup

Namibia possible starting lineup:

Maova; Hanamub, Hambira, Nashixwa; Hotto, Petrus, Amutenya, Kamberipa; Shalulile, Tjiueza, Mazeu

Cameroon possible starting lineup:

Onana; Tolo, Castelletto, Ngadeu, Tchatchoua; Baleba, Anguissa, Hongla; Aboubakar, Mbuemo, Bassogog