AFCON Qualifiers: Namibia, Zimbabwe To Face-off At Neutral Venue

With Round three of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers set to commence this week, Namibia and Zimbabwe will commence proceedings in a keenly anticipated Group J clash at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Namibia commenced their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying bid on a sour note following two consecutive defeats to Cameroon and Kenya respectively.

After their 2-1 defeat to Kenya at the Orlando Stadium on the 10th of September, Collin Benjamin’s troops dropped down to 4th position in Group J.

While Zimbabwe’s fortunes in Afcon qualification have been slightly better than that of Namibia’s, the Warriors remain without a victory after two matches played.

Micheal Nees and his chargers opened their initial set of qualifiers with 0-0 stalemates against both Kenya and Cameroon. As it stands, Zimbabwe currently occupy 3rd spot in Group J, two points behind Cameroon and log leaders Kenya.

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Regarding the venue, Namibia have decided to play Zimbabwe behind closed doors on Thursday, however, the return fixture will be open to supporters on Monday, the 14th of October.

“Please note that the Warriors’ Thursday game v Namibia will be played behind closed doors at Namibia’s behest,” the Zimbabwean Football Association said in a statement.

“A request has been made for all fans not to make their way to Orlando Stadium.

“However, our home game on Monday 14 October is open to all.”

The Zimbabwean Football Association confirmed that the duo of Tino Kadewere and Tawanda Chirewa will miss the upcoming encounters against Namibia owing to a calf and thigh injury respectively.

However, Zim will be boosted by the return of former Mamelodi Sundowns star Khama Billiat, who stepped out of international retirement last month. The Warriors captain, Marvelous Nakamba will also make his way back to the national team fold after recovering from injury.

Namibia will be strongly represented by PSL talents in the next couple weeks, namely in the likes of Deon Hotto, Lloydt Kazapua and Riaan Hanamub, while Rewaldo Prins, Petrus Kamati and Tjahikika Mbakondja have also been included in Benjamin’s squad.