In a high-stakes matchup, Namibia and Cameroon meet for the penultimate Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifier on Wednesday at the Orlando Stadium in South Africa.
While Cameroon looks to cement their place as group leaders, Namibia enters this game with pride as their main motivator, given that their qualification hopes were dashed after a series of losses.
As Kenya and Zimbabwe continue to chase their spots in the upcoming continental tournament in Morocco, this Group J clash could set the tone for the decisive final round.
Cameroon has displayed formidable form throughout the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, amassing 10 points from a possible 12 and remaining unbeaten with three wins and a draw. Under the guidance of coach Marc Brys, the Indomitable Lions have put together a consistent and tactical campaign, achieving victories over Kenya, Namibia, and a draw with Zimbabwe, who are currently their closest competition in Group J. A win over Namibia on Wednesday would all but secure their place at the top of the group and open up a comfortable five-point lead.
Cameroon’s recent performances extend beyond AFCON qualifiers, with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. This run includes four wins and two draws, highlighted by their dominant 4-1 victory over Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Despite recent injuries impacting the squad, Cameroon’s resilience and depth have kept them in strong form as they strive for AFCON qualification.
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Namibia’s Challenges and Recent Form
For Namibia, this qualifier against Cameroon is about pride and experience, as their journey to Morocco effectively ended after consecutive losses to Zimbabwe in October. Namibia’s defeats in their double-header against Zimbabwe—a 1-0 loss followed by a 3-1 defeat—exposed their lack of finishing power, as they managed to score only twice in four games while conceding seven goals. Led by coach Collin Benjamin, the Brave Warriors have shown flashes of promise but struggled to maintain consistency throughout the campaign.
In addition to their AFCON qualifiers, Namibia also faced disappointment in the African Nations Championship, where they were eliminated by Lesotho in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 aggregate draw. Lawrence Doeseb’s goal in the second leg leveled the tie, but Namibia fell short in the shootout, marking an end to their hopes in that tournament as well.
Despite these setbacks, Namibia’s squad will be looking to finish their campaign on a high note, particularly against a powerhouse like Cameroon. This match provides an opportunity for Namibia’s players to gain valuable experience and showcase their potential against a top-tier team.
2025 AFCON Qualifiers
Match Day 5
Namibia – Cameroon (13/11)
15 indomitable Lions present at the 1st training session on monday November 11, 2024, Ngoa-Ekelle stadium. A 90 minute session. pic.twitter.com/cZryBIdMWl— Un Bami qui Tweete (@evrageraud) November 11, 2024
Injuries Affect Cameroon’s Lineup, but Confidence Remains High
Cameroon’s squad depth will be tested in this encounter, as injuries have affected key players ahead of their penultimate qualifier. Yet, with their track record and group leadership on the line, Cameroon’s squad remains determined to secure maximum points. Coach Marc Brys is expected to rely on the tactical cohesion and experience of his team, with several key players stepping up to compensate for the absences.
Despite the injuries, Cameroon’s momentum is undeniable. Their consistent performances have demonstrated their ability to control matches, adapt to challenges, and deliver results. Cameroon’s last encounter with Namibia resulted in a narrow 1-0 victory, showing their capacity to win crucial games even under pressure.
Group J Standings and the Path to Morocco
With Cameroon leading Group J with 10 points, they hold a two-point edge over second-placed Zimbabwe. A win in Wednesday’s match would give them a five-point lead, securing their spot as group winners and automatically qualifying them for AFCON 2025. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe and Kenya are still vying for a second-place finish that could potentially offer a path to the tournament.
Kenya and Zimbabwe’s qualification hopes add intensity to Group J’s final two rounds, as they each seek a coveted spot in Morocco’s continental showcase. For Namibia, the focus will be on disrupting Cameroon’s momentum and finishing their qualification journey with strong performances, even as they face elimination.
Key Players to Watch: Namibia’s Rising Talents vs. Cameroon’s Consistency
Namibia’s lineup includes players looking to make a mark on the international stage, with forward Lawrence Doeseb among the players to watch. Doeseb’s goal against Lesotho in the African Nations Championship showcased his potential, and he will be eager to contribute against a formidable opponent like Cameroon. Additionally, Namibia’s midfield and defensive players will need to be organized and proactive, as they contend with Cameroon’s attacking prowess.
For Cameroon, coach Marc Brys will likely rely on experienced midfielders and defenders to control possession and maintain stability in the face of any offensive efforts from Namibia. Cameroon’s ability to create scoring opportunities has been one of their strengths throughout the qualifiers, and they will look to capitalize on set-pieces and counter-attacks to break through Namibia’s defense.
