Preview: Zimbabwe vs. Namibia

Sports Mole previews Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying clash between Zimbabwe and Namibia, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Zimbabwe face off against Namibia for the second time in the space of a few days on Tuesday, with the Johannesburg Stadium once again playing host to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group J clash.

Both nations have been forced to play their home games in South Africa due to stadium fitness issues in their respective countries, but unlike the reverse fixture, fans will be allowed in for this one, providing the home side with a significant boost.

Match preview
© Imago

The Zimbabwean side claimed a narrow 1-0 victory last Thursday, thanks to a first-half penalty from Khama Billiat, and will now look to build on that result as they aim to maintain their unbeaten AFCON qualifying record and strengthen their chances of reaching the tournament for a sixth time.

The hosts’ unbeaten start to the qualifiers, consisting of two draws and a win, suggests they are beginning to find their form, especially after struggling in the wake of their FIFA ban with that victory in the reverse fixture also marking their first win over Namibia since 2008.

Despite the Warriors’ unbeaten record in Group J, their scoring form has been underwhelming, with only one goal to their name in the competition so far in the form of that Billiat penalty that sealed the win against Namibia on Thursday.

Having a large Zimbabwean fan base in South Africa could prove vital for the hosts in this match, as they aim to capitalise on the support and replicate their away success in this reverse fixture.

© Imago

On the other hand, Namibia are struggling in these qualifiers, having lost all three of their matches and finding themselves at the bottom of the group with no points on the board so far.

The Brave Warriors’ recent form has been a cause for concern, as they have now lost four consecutive matches across all competitions with the narrow defeat to Zimbabwe further compounding their issues and leaving their AFCON hopes hanging by a thread.

This poor run is a far cry from the seven-match unbeaten streak they enjoyed earlier this year, a period which included strong performances in both World Cup qualifiers and the COSAFA Cup in the lead-up to the AFCON qualifiers.

One factor in the visiting side’s favour is their historical record against the hosts, having won five of the nine encounters between the two sides, and they will hope to summon a performance befitting of that reputation if they are to get a result.

Zimbabwe Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

Zimbabwe form (all competitions):

Namibia Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

Namibia form (all competitions):

Team News
© Imago

Zimbabwe will still be without FC Copenhagen defender Munashe Garananga, who misses out due to an injury that has kept him out since September.

Additionally, forward Tino Kadewere of Nantes is also ruled out, dealing a blow to Zimbabwe’s attacking options that will be felt due to their current struggles in front of goal.

Namibia have no absences of note and will continue to feature South African Premiership talents like Deon Hotto, Lloydt Kazapua and Riaan Hanamub who will lead the charge.

Additionally, Rewaldo Prins, Petrus Kamati and Tjahikika Mbakondja, who were called up but featured only on the bench, will hope they can make more significant contributions to help Namibia make a turnaround in this game.

Zimbabwe possible starting lineup:
Arubi; Godknows, Takwara, Galloway, Zemura; Rinomhota, Nakamba; Msendami, Munetsi, Billiat; Dzvukamanja

Namibia possible starting lineup:
Maova; Katia, Amutenya, Shalulile, Hambira; Hanamub, Hotto, Kasume, Kamberipa; Tijueza, Petrus

We say: Zimbabwe 1-0 Namibia
Although Zimbabwe have struggled to score, with only one goal in the campaign so far, their solid defence could see them secure another narrow victory, especially with the support of their large fanbase in South Africa.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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