Namibia and Zimbabwe to square off at neutral venue

With round three of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers set to commence this week, Namibia and Zimbabwe will kick off proceedings in a keenly anticipated Group J clash at Orlando Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Namibia commenced their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying bid on a sour note following two consecutive defeats, to Cameroon and Kenya.

After their 2-1 defeat to Kenya at Orlando Stadium on 10 September, Collin Benjamin’s troops dropped down to fourth position in Group J.

While Zimbabwe’s fortunes in Afcon qualification have been slightly better than that of Namibia’s, the Warriors remain without a victory after two matches played.

Micheal Nees and his chargers opened their initial set of qualifiers with 0-0 stalemates against both Kenya and Cameroon. As it stands, Zimbabwe currently occupy third spot in Group J, two points behind Cameroon and log leaders Kenya.

WHAT WAS SAID

Regarding the venue, Namibia have decided to play Zimbabwe behind closed doors on Thursday, however, the return fixture will be open to supporters on Monday, 14 October.

“Please note that the Warriors’ Thursday game v Namibia will be played behind closed doors at Namibia’s behest,” the Zimbabwean Football Association said in a statement.

“A request has been made for all fans not to make their way to Orlando Stadium.

“However, our home game on Monday, 14 October is open to all.”

TEAM NEWS

The Zimbabwean Football Association confirmed that the duo of Tino Kadewere and Tawanda Chirewa will miss the upcoming encounters against Namibia owing to a calf and thigh injury respectively.

However, Zim will be boosted by the return of former Mamelodi Sundowns star Khama Billiat, who stepped out of international retirement last month. The Warriors captain, Marvelous Nakamba, will also make his way back to the national team fold after recovering from injury.

Namibia will be strongly represented by PSL talents in the next couple of weeks,  with the likes of Deon Hotto, Lloydt Kazapua and Riaan Hanamub, while Rewaldo Prins, Petrus Kamati and Tjahikika Mbakondja have also been included in Benjamin’s squad.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Namibia hold a clear advantage over Zimbabwe in the head-to-head after recording four wins in their last five games across the board.

Zimbabwe last tasted victory against Namibia in 2017, where they bagged a 1-0 win against the Brave Warriors in an Africa Cup of Nations clash at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.