Namibia announce squad for crucial World Cup games
Football
Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin has named a provisional 25-man squad for Namibia’s final Group H fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Tunisia. The matches will be played on 6 October against Liberia and 13 October against Tunisia, with both fixtures set to determine Namibia’s qualification hopes.
Namibian centre-back Kennedy Amutenya has earned a recall to the national team for the first time since October 2024. The 24-year-old, who currently plays for Jeddah Football Club in Saudi Arabia, has featured in all of his club’s games this season and is expected to add depth and experience to the Brave Warriors’ defence.
Benjamin has also included fresh faces such as Awillo Stephanus, Tjipe Karuombe and Jonas Mateus, while goalkeeper Loydt Kazapua, striker Issaskar Gurirab and winger Joslin Kamatuka make way.
“We have tried to select a balanced squad that can compete strongly in both matches,” Benjamin said. “These are our most important games yet. We need everyone focused and ready to deliver.”
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers:
Edward Maova (Golden Arrows, RSA), Jonas Mateus (Ongos FC), Loydt Kazapua (unattached).
Defenders:
Charles Hambira (African Stars), David Aingwafa (Eeshoke Chula Chula), Ivan Kamberipa (Gaborone, BOT), Ngero Katua (Highbury FC, RSA), Riaan Hanamub (AmaZulu, RSA), Sergio Damaseb (Mighty Gunners), Sisqo Haraseb (Mochudi, BOT), Kennedy Eib (Highbury FC, RSA), Kennedy Amutenya (Jeddah FC, SAU).
Midfielders:
Aprocius Petrus (Al Hilal, SUD), Dynamo Fredericks (Jwaneng, BOT), Elias Hambongo (KK Palace), Alfeus Leevi (Blue Waters), Moses Shidolo (Scotland FC, ZIM), Paulus Amutenya (University of Namibia FC), Tjipe Karuombe (Gonio FC, GEO).
Forwards:
Awillo Stephanus (Hetten FC, SAU), Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns, RSA), Erastus Kulula (Unattached), Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates, RSA), Bethuel Muzeu (Black Leopards, RSA), David Ndeunyema (Blue Waters).
Fixtures
• 6 October: Namibia vs Liberia (Group H)
• 13 October: Namibia vs Tunisia (Group H)
Namibia currently sit second in Group H and will be looking to maintain momentum as they chase a historic first-ever World Cup qualification.
Namibian centre-back Kennedy Amutenya has earned a recall to the national team for the first time since October 2024. The 24-year-old, who currently plays for Jeddah Football Club in Saudi Arabia, has featured in all of his club’s games this season and is expected to add depth and experience to the Brave Warriors’ defence.
Benjamin has also included fresh faces such as Awillo Stephanus, Tjipe Karuombe and Jonas Mateus, while goalkeeper Loydt Kazapua, striker Issaskar Gurirab and winger Joslin Kamatuka make way.
“We have tried to select a balanced squad that can compete strongly in both matches,” Benjamin said. “These are our most important games yet. We need everyone focused and ready to deliver.”
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers:
Edward Maova (Golden Arrows, RSA), Jonas Mateus (Ongos FC), Loydt Kazapua (unattached).
Defenders:
Charles Hambira (African Stars), David Aingwafa (Eeshoke Chula Chula), Ivan Kamberipa (Gaborone, BOT), Ngero Katua (Highbury FC, RSA), Riaan Hanamub (AmaZulu, RSA), Sergio Damaseb (Mighty Gunners), Sisqo Haraseb (Mochudi, BOT), Kennedy Eib (Highbury FC, RSA), Kennedy Amutenya (Jeddah FC, SAU).
Midfielders:
Aprocius Petrus (Al Hilal, SUD), Dynamo Fredericks (Jwaneng, BOT), Elias Hambongo (KK Palace), Alfeus Leevi (Blue Waters), Moses Shidolo (Scotland FC, ZIM), Paulus Amutenya (University of Namibia FC), Tjipe Karuombe (Gonio FC, GEO).
Forwards:
Awillo Stephanus (Hetten FC, SAU), Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns, RSA), Erastus Kulula (Unattached), Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates, RSA), Bethuel Muzeu (Black Leopards, RSA), David Ndeunyema (Blue Waters).
Fixtures
• 6 October: Namibia vs Liberia (Group H)
• 13 October: Namibia vs Tunisia (Group H)
Namibia currently sit second in Group H and will be looking to maintain momentum as they chase a historic first-ever World Cup qualification.
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