Brave Five thrash Kenya 8-4 in Afcon qualifiers

Namibia men’s futsal national team, the Brave Five, made light work of Kenya’s Harambee Samba, claiming a decisive 8-4 victory in the first leg of their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2026 qualifiers at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund.

The victory gives Namibia a four-goal cushion ahead of the second leg in Nairobi on Wednesday, putting them firmly on course to advance to the second round to face Libya.

Early intensity

Kenya started the match brightly, with skipper Anas Mahad Sheik (14) testing Brave Five goalkeeper Riya Ryiena Usurua (1) in the opening minutes.

Namibia’s first meaningful attack came through Celso Matias Chipa Roberto (7), but the effort was blocked by Kenya’s Mark Shaban (10).

Kenya drew first blood in the fourth minute through Sheik, who capitalised on a loose ball from a Lawrence Luvanda (11) attempt to volley past Riya and make it 1-0.

Namibia responded immediately with Matheus Humphries (13) equalising in the seventh minute before Von Francois (6) put Brave Five ahead 2-2 moments later after a well-timed finish from Humphries’ cross.

Brave Five take control

Despite Kenya holding much of the possession, Namibia’s aggressive counter-attacks began to pay dividends. George Haikali (8) and Wesley Melvin Otto (11) created several chances, with Angel Eathen Prins (9) finally breaking through in the 16th minute to make it 3-2.

Brave Five skipper Ken Salote (10) then took over, scoring a quick succession of three goals between the 23rd and 26th minutes to make it 6-2, completing a hat-trick with a precise strike in the 26th minute. Naguei Kamatuka (2) and Humphries had efforts saved, while Riya’s goalkeeping kept Kenya at bay.

Kenya responded briefly with Mike Otieno (4) reducing the deficit to 7-3 in the 31st minute, but Salote capitalised on a defensive error in the 36th minute to score Namibia’s eighth.

Kenya’s skipper Sheik (14) netted a late consolation in the dying seconds to set the final score at 8-4.

Key performers

Salote’s clinical finishing and Riya’s commanding presence in goal were decisive for Namibia. Other notable contributions came from Von Francois, Humphries and Prins, who combined speed and vision to consistently trouble the Kenyan defence.