Namibia remains undefeated in Group H after they played out to a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the Orlando Stadium on Monday, March 24, 2025. The Brave Warriors came into the match looking to maintain their strong form, buoyed by their recent 1-0 victory over Malawi, where Prins Tjiueza scored the winner in the 40th minute.
The match had a slow start, with both teams managing just one shot each in the first half, leaving the score level at 0-0 at the break. However, the second half quickly ignited when Namibia’s Peter Shalulile scored in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the Equatorial Guinea side. Shalulile found himself unmarked at the edge of the six-yard box to volley home a precise cross from Deon Hotto.
While the home fans surged with excitement, the lead was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Equatorial Guinea's Saul Coco equalized when he took advantage of a goalkeeping error, placing the ball into the net after a poor attempt by Edward Maova to clear a corner.
With both teams striving for a winner, Namibia pushed hard in the latter stages, but Equatorial Guinea's defense held firm, resulting in a hard-fought stalemate. Collin Benjamin, the Brave Warriors' coach, expressed pride in his team's performance despite the draw, emphasizing the need to continue focusing on development rather than the standings.
Namibia currently sits in second place in Group H, trailing only Tunisia by three points. The Brave Warriors have garnered 12 points from six matches, while Equatorial Guinea remains in fourth place with seven points. However, the competition remains tight, with Liberia also vying for a top position.
Benjamin addressed his team’s aspirations to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in December next year. He stated, “To have dreams is good if you push harder and keep working, but we are honestly not looking at any table.”
He further added that these qualifiers provide a platform for new player growth, highlighting recent performances from debutants Sergio Damaseb and Bonifacius Joseph, who both made solid contributions in this and other matches.
Looking forward, the Brave Warriors face a challenging fixture against Equatorial Guinea again, this time set to take place in Polokwane, South Africa, marking a crucial point in their qualification campaign. Namibia aims to continue their unbeaten run, while Equatorial Guinea seeks to recover from their recent draw.
Ultimately, the stakes are high for both teams, as the top teams of each of the Confederation of African Football qualifying groups automatically earn a spot in the World Cup, while the four best runners-up face a playoff for a chance at qualification. The upcoming weeks in Group H promise exciting encounters, with each match potentially impacting the final standings.
