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Zimbabwe have secured a vital win over Namibia to go top of their AFCON qualifying group, putting pressure on Kenya.
Zimbabwe secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Namibia in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying Group J clash at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
The hard-fought win propelled Zimbabwe to the top of the group, putting pressure on Kenya, who trail by just one point and will face Cameroon in their next fixture.
The match started with Zimbabwe dominating possession in the early stages, controlling the ball for the first 10 minutes.
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However, as the game progressed, Namibia took the initiative and began to push Zimbabwe back into their own half.
Namibia came closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening exchanges when defender Kennedy Amutenya’s header from a corner rattled the woodwork, sending an early warning to the Zimbabwean defense.
Despite Namibia's growing dominance in possession, they struggled to find the cutting edge in the final third.
Another missed opportunity came when Zimbabwe’s Marshal Munetsi, usually dependable in the air, headed wide following a corner.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute and it was Zimbabwe who capitalized on a mistake from Namibia’s Amutenya.
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A foul inside the box led to the referee pointing to the penalty spot.Khama Billiat stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly slotted home, giving Zimbabwe the lead with a composed right-footed shot.
Namibia responded almost immediately and came close to leveling the score just before halftime when Prins Tjiueza’s left-footed strike from inside the penalty area struck the woodwork, leaving the Brave Warriors agonizingly close to an equalizer.
Nevertheless, Zimbabwe held on to their 1-0 advantage as the teams headed into the break.
In the second half, Namibia came out with renewed energy, with Peter Shalulile and Romeo Kasume both pressing Zimbabwe’s defense in search of a goal.
Despite their efforts, Zimbabwe remained resilient, particularly in defending aerial balls, and thwarted Namibia’s attacking threats.
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As the game progressed into the final 20 minutes, Namibia continued to dominate possession and pile pressure on Zimbabwe, pinning the Warriors deep in their own half.
However, Zimbabwe's defense stood firm, frustrating the Namibian attack and holding on to their slim lead.
The win means Zimbabwe now top Group J with five points from three matches, while Kenya sits in second place with four points, having played two matches so far.
Kenya will take on Cameroon in their upcoming fixture knowing that a victory would leapfrog them over Zimbabwe into the top spot.
How they lined up
Namibia: Maova, Katua (Kulula 66’), Amutenya (Muzeu 46’), Petrus, Hambira, Hanamub, Hotto, Kasume (Shidolo 66’), Kamberipa, Tjiueza, Shalulile
Zimbabwe: Arubi, Murwira, Takwara, Zemura (Habede 91’), Galloway, Rinomhota, Nakamba (Hachiro 79’), Dzvukamanja (Mapfumo 69’), Munetsi, Msendami (Dube 69’), Billiat (Lunga 69’)
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