AFCON dream shattered after Zim defeat
Football
Namibia’s hopes of qualifying for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025 came to a disappointing end after a 3-1 defeat to Zimbabwe at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday night.With two matches remaining in Group J, the Brave Warriors are officially out of contention for a place in the tournament.
The first half saw both teams creating chances, but failing to find the back of the net. However, Zimbabwe's persistence paid off early in the second half when Walter Musona broke the deadlock, giving his side the lead.
Musona doubled the advantage minutes later with a penalty, completing his brace just after the hour-mark, putting Zimbabwe in firm control of the match.
As Namibia struggled to mount a comeback, Prince Dube added a third goal for Zimbabwe in the final minute of regular time.
In stoppage time, Godwin Eiseb, former Unam FC midfielder recently signed by African Stars, managed to score a consolation goal for the Brave Warriors, but it was too little, too late to change the outcome.
The result solidifies Zimbabwe’s second position in the group, keeping them on course for AFCON qualification for Morocco 2025, after being suspended by CAF during their previous campaign.
In contrast Namibia, under the guidance of coach Collin Benjamin, has endured a difficult campaign, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat and remaining without a point.
Deon Hotto’s goal in the 1-2 loss to Kenya on 10 September is still the team’s only hit in four qualifying matches despite often creating more opportunities than their opposition, pointing to one of the obvious shortcomings in their arsenal.
In the other group J match on Monday, Cameroon secured their spot at AFCON 2025 with a 1-0 victory over Kenya at Nelson Mandela National Stadium, further highlighting the tough road ahead for Namibia as they face the Indomitable Lions and Kenya in their remaining fixtures.
The “home” match against Cameroon will again be at Orlando Stadium on 10 November, before the Namibians are due to visit Kenya eight days later.
After consecutive AFCON appearances (at Egypt 2021 and Ivory Coast 2023) – winning their first match and reaching the last-16 for the first time last year – the Warriors’ dream of reaching another continental tournament is officially over. They will look to finish the qualifiers on a positive note and restore some pride for their faithful, but frustrated supporters.