Namibia set out to secure their first win of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they take on Cameroon in the second of their Group C double-header on Tuesday.
Rigobert Song's side take the trip to the Dobsonville Stadium looking to snap their run of three consecutive away defeats and extend their lead at the top of the group standings.
Match preview
© Reuters
Namibia failed to get their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign up and running on Friday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Cameroon at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.
Despite being under the cosh and seeing less than 30% of the ball possession, Peter Shalulile scored against the run of play to hand Namibia a first-half lead before Kayserispor midfielder Olivier Kemen restored parity with a 72nd-minute strike.
This was the Brave Warriors' first piece of action since July 2022, when they suffered a bitter 1-0 defeat at the hands of Zambia in the COSAFA Cup final courtesy of an extra-time own goal from Edward Maova.
Having missed out on the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Namibia kicked off their quest for a place in Ivory Coast with a somewhat disappointing 1-1 draw with 10-man Burundi last June and have now picked up two points from a possible six in Group C.
While Collin Benjamin's men will be looking to get their campaign up and running, they are without a win in four consecutive home matches in all competitions, losing twice and claiming two draws since last March's 2-1 win over Guinea.
© Reuters
Prior to Friday's draw, Cameroon endured a poor outing at the 2022 African Nations Championship as they suffered a group-stage exit following their second-placed finish in Group E.
The Indomitable Lions will now look to return to winning ways after kicking off their AFCON qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Burundi in June courtesy of a 30th-minute strike from Karl Toko Ekambi.
Song's men head into the midweek clash unbeaten in four of their last five matches across all competitions, claiming two wins and two draws since their 1-0 loss against Switzerland in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener in November.
However, Cameroon, who are eyeing a fourth consecutive appearance at the continental showpiece, have lost their last three away outings since their victory over Burundi in the Group E opener at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Team News
© Reuters
Rennes defender Christopher Wooh is a major doubt for Cameroon after coming off with a first-half injury in Friday's reverse fixture.
Should he fail to shake off the injury, veteran centre-back Nicolas N'Koulou will push for his first start of the qualifiers, teaming up with Jean-Charles Castelletto at the heart of the defence.
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo was a bright spark last week and should retain his spot in the final third, while Pierre Kunde could be rewarded with a starting role following his solid second-half cameo.
Like Cameroon, Namibia defender Charles Hambira suffered a first-half injury at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium and is expected to sit out Tuesday's clash.
Fellow veteran Ananias Gebhardt should then partner Riaan Hanamub, Denzil Haoseb and Wigan Athletic full-back Ryan Nyambe in the back four, shielding Lloyd Junior Kazapua in goal.
With his opener on Friday, Shalulile now has 15 goal involvements for club and country since the turn of the year and the we expect the Mamelodi Sundowns striker to lead the visitors' attack once again.
Namibia possible starting lineup:
Kazapua; Nyambe, Gebhardt, Haoseb, Hanamub; Limbondi, Fredericks, Katua, Hotto; Tjiueza, Shalulile
Cameroon possible starting lineup:
Epassy; Bokele, N'Koulou, Castelletto, Tolo; Ntcham, Kemen, Anguissa; Mbeumo, Ganago, Kounde
We say: Namibia 1-2 Cameroon
For all their possession and dominance, Cameroon were left with a bitter taste of disappointment on Friday and will be looking to get it right at the Dobsonville Stadium. The Indomitable Lions possess the firepower needed to get the job done and we are backing them to claim all three points in this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Joshua Ojele
