Namibia strengthened their chances of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after holding Cameroon to a 1-1 draw at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on Friday night.
The Brave Warriors took a surprise lead through Peter Shalulile just before the half-hour mark in their Group C qualifier, but they were unable to hold on for victory after Oliver Kemen rescued a point for the Indomitable Lions 18 minutes from time.
Rigobert Song’s side remained top of the group on four points, while the Southern Africans moved ahead of Burundi into second place to keep their Afcon hopes alive.
Namibia are set out to secure their first win of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they take on Cameroon in the second of their Group C double-header on Tuesday.
Having missed out on the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Namibia kicked off their quest for a place in Ivory Coast with a somewhat disappointing 1-1 draw with 10-man Burundi last June and have now picked up two points from a possible six in Group C.
While Collin Benjamin’s men will be looking to get their campaign up and running, they are without a win in four consecutive home matches in all competitions (except COSAFA cup competitions), losing twice and claiming two draws since March 2021 2-1 win over Guinea.
Rigobert Song’s side take the trip to the Dobsonville Stadium looking to snap their run of three consecutive away defeats and extend their lead at the top of the group standings.
The Indomitable Lions will now look to return to winning ways after kicking off their AFCON qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Burundi in June 2022 courtesy of a 30th-minute strike from Karl Toko Ekambi.
Song’s men head into the midweek clash unbeaten in four of their last five matches across all competitions, claiming two wins and two draws since their 1-0 loss against Switzerland in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener in November.
However, Cameron, who are eyeing a fourth consecutive appearance at the continental showpiece, have lost their last three away outings since their victory over Burundi in the Group C opener at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Stade Rennais defender Christopher Wooh is absent for Cameroon after coming off with a first-half injury in Friday’s reverse fixture.
Like Cameroon, Namibia defender Charles Hambira suffered a first-half injury at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium and is expected to sit out Tuesday’s clash.
Brave Warriors possible starting lineup:
Kazapua; Nyambe, Gebhardt, Haoseb, Hanamub; Limbondi, Fredericks, Katua, Hotto; Tjiueza, Shalulile
Indomitable Lions possible starting lineup:
Epassy; Bawak, N’Koulou, Castelletto, Tolo; Kemen, Anguissa; Mbeumo, Ganago, Aboubakar, Ngamaleu
Namibia Brave Warriors vs Cameroon Indomitable Lions prediction
Namibia have won just two of their last six games, keeping a clean sheet in both (2-0 vs Madagascar and 1-0 vs Mozambique).
The Brave Warriors of Namibia 🇳🇦 wrapping up their preparations, ahead of a crucial #AFCON2023Q vs Cameroon 🇨🇲 tomorrow at Dobsonville stadium. @SABC_Sport | #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/0rMKNVTE5D
— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) March 27, 2023
Namibia have made only three appearances in the AFCON, the last of which came in 2019. On all three occasions, the Brave Warriors went out in the group stage.
Namibia have conceded at least a goal in 17 of their last 19 matches.
Namibia have scored at least one goal in 14 of their last 17 matches
Namibia supporters will look at Cameroon’s recent results for evidence that they are there for the taking. While it might not be enough to change the fate of the match, Namibia have some reasons to be confident. These home players are playing some lovely football and they’re gaining plenty of new fans.
For all their possession and dominance, Cameroon were left with a bitter taste of disappointment on Friday and will be looking to get it right at the Dobsonville Stadium. The Indomitable Lions possess the firepower needed with the inclusion of Vincent Aboubakar to get the job done and claim all three points in this one.
In recent years, Cameroon has risen to prominence in global football. We expect the visitors to bag a hard-fought but narrow victory over Namibia in this game. Cameroon won away from home in round one. They fought back in the reverse leg against Namibia after going down in the 26th to level things in the 72nd minute. We think with a more determined approach, the Indomitable Lions are likely to win away from home on this trip to Namibia.
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