Namibia up against bogey Malawi

Namibia’s senior national team is set to face Malawi today in an important World Cup qualifying match taking place in Francistown, Botswana.The match is being played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium because Namibia currently does not have any CAF/FIFA-accredited stadiums.Brave Warriors coach Collin Benjamin has named a squad he believes can secure another vital victory to bolster their qualifying chances.It is still all to play for between the two nations as the group remains undecided.The Brave Warriors’ World Cup qualifying match against Malawi at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium is not only about gaining points on the table but also about restoring pride, given the head-to-head record between the two nations.The nation’s hopes and dreams of qualifying for the World Cup rest on the shoulders of those who will be in action today.Coach Benjamin said he will not allow his team to be complacent in such an important fixture.“It is a match we have to win by all means because we know how crucial it is to get three points in such a tough group. We have prepared the players well and we are looking forward to an exciting match."We are well aware that Malawi is not an easy opponent and we therefore have to avoid any complacency at all costs,” said Benjamin.It is a match that may not decide how the group ultimately finishes, but it is one both teams are eager to win.The two sides have met on eight occasions, with Malawi dominating most of these encounters.The Brave Warriors will be seeking only their second-ever win against Malawi, having beaten them just once on the international stage.Malawi have already won three of the eight matches, while the other four have ended in draws.Benjamin’s men will, however, be driven by the fact that they remain unbeaten in the group, while Malawi come into the match having lost four of their six games.Namibia also beat Malawi by a solitary goal in the qualifiers, which can serve as a confidence booster.Fitness intactStrength and conditioning coach Gareth Smith said the team had enjoyed good training sessions ahead of the match.“The first day after travelling was all about activation and mobility. The second day was more focused on tactical aspects, going into our preparation for Friday’s match. On Wednesday, we picked up the tempo slightly and got a bit more tactical, pushing the players to adapt to the weather. We are happy with the fitness of the players, especially the home-based ones,” said Smith.Namibia are four points behind Tunisia, who hosted Liberia last night in the other group encounter.The other teams in the group, São Tomé and Príncipe and Equatorial Guinea, also played their matches last night.Seeking to make historyNamibia are aiming to make history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time ever.SquadGoalkeepers: Loydt Kazapua, Edward Maova, Kamaijanda Ndisiro.Defenders: Charles Hambira, Kennedy Eib, Sisqo Haraseb, Ngero Katua, Ivan Kamberipa, Sergio Damaseb, Riaan Hanamub, David Aingwafa.Midfielders: Paulus Amutenya, Alfeus Leevi, Approcius Petrus, Dynamo Fredericks, Moses Shidolo, Bethuel Muzeu.Forwards: Peter Shalulile, David Ndeunyema, Issaskar Gurirab, Deon Hotto, Joslin Kamatuka, Erastus Kulula, Elias Hambongo.

Namibia up against bogey Malawi

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-19

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Namibia up against bogey Malawi

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-19

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