Namibia and Zimbabwe are set to face off at Orlando Stadium in an important match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Namibia is looking to rebound from two losses, while Zimbabwe seeks its first win after two draws. The match will be held behind closed doors, with both teams managing player injuries and returns.
Both Namibia and Zimbabwe are poised to pursue victory in their upcoming match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Scheduled to take place at Orlando Stadium on Thursday at 3:00 PM CAT, both teams are eager to improve their standings in Group J following their recent performances. Namibia’s qualification journey commenced unfavorably, evidenced by consecutive losses to Cameroon and Kenya, resulting in a fourth-place position in the group. Their latest defeat was a 2-1 setback against Kenya on September 10, which further complicated their ambitions. In comparison, Zimbabwe’s performance, although slightly better, has yet to yield a win. The Warriors have secured two draws—0-0 results against both Kenya and Cameroon—placing them third in Group J, trailing two points behind Cameroon and the group leader, Kenya. For the upcoming match, Namibia has opted to host the game without spectators, emphasizing that supporters should abstain from attending. This decision was confirmed by the Zimbabwean Football Association, which stated, “A request has been made for all fans not to make their way to Orlando Stadium. However, our home game on Monday, October 14, is open to all.” Zimbabwe faces a setback with the absence of players Tino Kadewere and Tawanda Chirewa, who will miss the fixtures due to injuries. Nevertheless, the team will welcome back Khama Billiat, a former star from Mamelodi Sundowns, who has returned from international retirement. Moreover, Marvelous Nakamba will rejoin the national squad following his recovery from injury. Namibia’s squad for the upcoming matches will prominently feature talents from the Premier Soccer League, including Deon Hotto, Lloydt Kazapua, and Riaan Hanamub, among others. Historical performance has slightly favored Namibia, as they have won four of the last five encounters, with Zimbabwe’s last victory over Namibia occurring in 2017, when they won 1-0 in a previous Africa Cup of Nations match held in Harare.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a prestigious football tournament in Africa, and its qualifications are keenly contested by national teams. The 2025 qualifiers are currently underway, involving various teams across the continent. As the tournament approaches, every match is crucial for teams to secure favorable positions. Namibia and Zimbabwe, both in Group J, face significant challenges as they seek to improve their standings following initial underwhelming performances. The dynamics between these two teams are particularly noteworthy due to their historical face-offs and player conditions leading up to this match.
As Namibia and Zimbabwe prepare to clash in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, both teams are under pressure to secure their first victories. Namibia seeks to overcome its recent struggles, while Zimbabwe aims to capitalize on its slight edge in the standings. The match, albeit behind closed doors, will be pivotal for both squads as they strive to enhance their prospects in the ongoing qualification campaign.
Original Source: africanfootball.com
