Namibia unveil strong squad to face Harambee Stars in AFCON 2025 qualifier

Namibia unveil strong squad to face Harambee Stars in AFCON 2025 qualifier

Festus Chuma 10:35 - 09.11.2024

Namibia coach Collin Benjamin has made strategic squad changes, mixing experience with fresh talent as the Brave Warriors prepare to face Kenya in a decisive AFCON 2025 qualifier.

Namibia have named their squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers set to face Cameroon and Kenya in what will be their final games of the campaign.

The Brave Warriors, already eliminated from qualification, see these encounters as an opportunity to field both tried-and-tested veterans and emerging young talent as head coach Collin Benjamin tests his options for the future.

Leading the charge in the forward line are seasoned players Willy Stephanus and Elmo Kambindu, returning to the national setup after significant time away.

Stephanus, who recently lifted a self-imposed exile, impressed during Namibia's 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying tie against Lesotho.

While the Brave Warriors fell short in that encounter, ultimately losing on penalties, Stephanus showed impressive form and playmaking ability that Benjamin will hope to capitalize on in these upcoming matches.

The 33-year-old winger's return is complemented by the youthful energy of Lawrence Doeseb who caught attention with his goal in the same tie forcing the match into a penalty shoot-out and proving he is capable of making an impact on the international stage.

Rising stars Kennedy Eib and David Aingwafa, both promoted from the CHAN squad, are expected to bring fresh energy and skill to the team’s defense.

Benjamin’s decision to introduce new talent alongside established names reflects his ambition to inject vigor into the Brave Warriors and begin building a squad capable of future success.

This roster may not be in contention for Morocco next year, but the experience gained by these players could be invaluable for future qualification campaigns.

Target-man Elmo Kambindu is also back in the lineup, providing the team with a physical presence upfront after being sidelined before the AFCON 2023 finals.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile rounds out the attacking lineup, arriving in stellar form for the qualifiers.

Shalulile has scored four goals in his last seven matches for Sundowns, and his finishing ability and movement will be a key asset for the Namibians as they prepare to face Kenya on November 19.

Namibia's role in the final games will be crucial despite their elimination.

Harambee Stars remain in contention needing two wins from their remaining games against Zimbabwe and Namibia and hoping that Cameroon do not drop points in their clash with the Brave Warriors.

Namibia's matches will play a decisive part in shaping the final standings for Group J, making their "dead rubber" games potentially decisive for Kenya’s aspirations.

The Brave Warriors' schedule includes a match against Cameroon, set for November 13 in Johannesburg, South Africa, before traveling to Kenya for their November 19 fixture in Nairobi.

Benjamin and his technical team plan to hold a three-day training camp in Namibia with the home-based players from Thursday to Saturday, allowing time for tactical adjustments and final touches.

The entire squad will then gather in South Africa on Sunday before heading to Johannesburg for their encounter with Cameroon.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Loydt Kazapua, Edward Maova, and Kamaijanda Ndisiro

Defenders: Charles Hambira, Tuli Nashixwa, Ngero Katua, Riaan Hanamub, Vitapi Ngaruka, Arend Abubakir, Sergio Damaseb, Kennedy Eib, Ivan Kamberipa and David Aingwafa

Midfielders: Aprocius Petrus, Moses Shidolo, Devin Somseb, Mbakondja Tjahikika, Paulus Amutenya, Deon Hotto, Godwin Eiseb, Lawrence Doeseb, and Prins Tjiueza.

Forwards: Fares Haidula, Elmo Kambindu, Betuel Muzeu, Rewaldo Prins, Peter Shalulile and Willy Stephanus.