Namibia and Equatorial Guinea share spoils in hard-fought Group H stalemate
Published: Monday, 24 March 2025
Namibia and Equatorial Guinea cancelled each other out in a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg on Matchday 6 of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday.
The Brave Warriors, buoyed by a narrow win over Malawi, were hoping to keep pace with Group H leaders Tunisia, while Equatorial Guinea entered the clash fresh from a 2-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe.
But despite both teams' strong recent form, the first half at Orlando Stadium offered little in the way of quality finishing.
Namibia created the better chances early on but were left frustrated by a well-organised Equatorial Guinea defence and a lack of precision in the final third.
At the break, it remained goalless, with both sides knowing they needed more urgency to change the script.
The game witnessed a drastically different second half, as the contest came alive within minutes of the restart.
Namibia broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Deon Hotto whipped in a teasing free-kick that was expertly volleyed home by Peter Shalulile, who found himself unmarked at the edge of the six-yard box.
However, their lead was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Equatorial Guinea hit back through defender Saúl Coco, who lashed in the equaliser after Esteban Orozco picked him out in space.
The goal was a reward for Nzalang Nacional's growing influence in midfield.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the final stages, but neither could find the cutting edge required.
Namibia stay second in Group H on 12 points, three behind Tunisia, while Equatorial Guinea remain in fourth with seven points.
The result keeps Namibia within striking distance of qualification, while Equatorial Guinea must now win their remaining matches to have any realistic hopes of advancing.
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