Latest news with #BraveWarriors
CAF
24-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
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.
CAF
16-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Match Day 5 lines up appetising ties in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers race
The race towards a place in next year's FIFA World Cup enters a crucial stage as of Monday, 17 March when the African qualifiers resume across the continent. The global showpiece will for the first time have a guaranteed 9 representatives and possibly a tenth in the newly expanded version set to take place in the United States between 11 June – 19 July 2026. With four rounds of matches already played, Match Day 5 of the qualifiers has lined up some appetising encounters, as the race to a top finish that guarantees qualification gradually takes shape. The action officially gets underway in Group E on Monday, 16 March when third placed Tanzania play host to Congo who are yet to register a point in their past three matches. Four exciting fixtures take place on Wednesday, 19 March with Liberia taking on top of the table Tunisia in Group H. Cameroon will be looking at extending their lead in Group D when they take on bottom of the table Eswatini, while Central Africa Republic look to climb up the group when they take on third placed Madagascar. Thursday, 20 March sees a total of nine mouth-watering encounters taking place across the continent. Some of the marquee fixtures to look out for on include Zimbabwe playing host to Benin, Malawi welcoming the Brave Warriors of Namibia who have had an impressive start so far, as well as Cape Verde taking on Mauritius. Later on in the evening, Libya will be home to Angola in the tightly contested Group D, while the Eagles of Mali travel to Comoros to conclude Thursday's fixtures. Match Day 5 of the qualifiers concludes on Friday, 21 March with a total of 13 fixtures taking place. With three draws and a loss to their campaign, the Super Eagles will be looking at securing their first win when they take on top of the table Rwanda in Group C. South Africa play host to Lesotho in the same group, as they eye a vital victory that could see them top the group should the result in the Nigeria and Rwanda match go their way. In other exciting fixture to look out for, Group A leaders Egypt have a tough assignment travel to Ethiopia who are desperate for a win following three draws and a loss. African champions, Cote d'Ivoire who lead Group F by a narrow point ahead of Gabon face third placed Burundi are also within reach of a top spot. The Lions of Teranga will be aiming at nothing short of a victory to possibly go top of Group B ahead of Sudan when they face each other in what promises to be an explosive top of the table encounter on Friday. FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Fixtures - Match Day 5: Monday, 17 March 16h00 GMT: Tanzania vs Congo Wednesday, 19 March 16h00 GMT: Liberia vs Tunisia 16h00 GMT: Eswatini vs Cameroon 16h00 GMT: Central African Republic vs Madagascar 16h00 GMT: Mozambique vs Uganda 16h00 GMT: Malawi vs Namibia 16h00 GMT: Zimbabwe vs Benin 16h00 GMT: Cape Verde vs Mauritius 16h00 GMT: Sierra Leone vs Guinea-Bissau Thursday, 20 March 19h00 GMT: Libya vs Angola 19h00 GMT: Gabon vs Seychelles 19h00 GMT: Gambia vs Kenya 19h00 GMT: Comoros vs Mali Friday, 21 March 13h00 GMT: Equatorial Guinea vs Sao Tomé and Principe 13h00 GMT: Botswana vs Algeria 16h00 GMT: Rwanda vs Nigeria 16h00 GMT: Burkina Faso vs Djibouti 16h00 GMT: DR Congo vs South Sudan 16h00 GMT: South Africa vs Lesotho 16h00 GMT: Togo vs Mauritania 19h00 GMT: Ghana vs Chad 19h00 GMT: Burundi vs Cote d'Ivoire 19h00 GMT: Sudan vs Senegal 21h00 GMT: Guinea vs Somalia 21h00 GMT: Ethiopia vs Egypt 21h00 GMT: Niger vs Morocco
CAF
14-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Shalulile leads Namibia as coach Benjamin names squad for World Cup qualifiers
Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin has unveiled his final 24-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Malawi and Equatorial Guinea. The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, as the Brave Warriors aim to secure vital points in Group H. A key talking point is the return of several seasoned players, reinforcing Namibia's ambition to compete at the highest level. Among them is captain Peter Shalulile, the Mamelodi Sundowns forward, who will be crucial in leading the attack. Benjamin has also retained a strong midfield presence with the likes of Deon Hotto and Willy Stephanus, both of whom will be expected to provide creativity and leadership. Speaking about his squad selection, Benjamin emphasized the importance of securing victories in the two upcoming fixtures. "We are absolutely going all the way in these qualifiers. The squad reflects our desire to produce good results," he said. "It is essential that we achieve a successful outcome, as this will be a major step forward." Namibia finds itself in a competitive Group H, where Tunisia leads the standings. With only the top team earning direct qualification for the World Cup, every match is crucial for the Brave Warriors. The Warriors will first face Malawi in Lilongwe at the Bingu National Stadium on March 20, before hosting Equatorial Guinea in Polokwane, South Africa, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 24. These matches are seen as must-win encounters for Namibia if they are to stay in contention for qualification. Benjamin has placed his trust in a squad that balances defensive solidity, midfield control, and attacking firepower. With the inclusion of in-form forwards such as Muzeu Betheul and Joslin Kamatuka, Namibia will be looking to capitalize on scoring opportunities. As the Brave Warriors prepare for these decisive fixtures, fans will be eager to see if Benjamin's squad can rise to the occasion and keep Namibia's World Cup dreams alive. Namibia squad Goalkeepers: Loydt Kazapua (Chippa United), Edward Moava (Young African), Kamajanda Ndisiro (Civics FC). Defenders: Ivan Kamberipa (AmaZulu), Charles Hambira (Baroka FC), Sergio Damaseb (Unam FC), Sisqo Haraseb (African Stars), Welwin Hanamub (Chippa United), Josef Bonifasius (Tura Magic), Tuhafeni David (Tigers FC), Ngero Katua (Blue Waters). Midfielders: Approcius Petrus (Black Leopards), Johannes Mutanga (Civics FC), Willy Stephanus (Unattached), Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates), Leevi Alfeus (Young African), Prins Tjijeza (African Stars), Paulus Amutenya (Tigers FC), Moses Shidolo (Blue Waters), Dynamo Fredericks (Unam FC). Forwards: Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns), Muzeu Betheul (Unam FC), Elmo Kambindu (Chippa United), Joslin Kamatuka (Jomo Cosmos).
