COSAFA Cup
Jul 11, 2021 1.00pm
2
0
HT : 0 0
FT Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
  • Dynamo Fredericks 10' yellowcard
  • Ivan Kamberipa 52' yellowcard
  • Q. Amini 70' goal
  • Charles Hambira 76' yellowcard
  • Elmo Kambindu 86' goal
  • yellowcard Shadreck Nyahwa 81'
  • yellowcard M 85'

Preview:Zimbabwe vs. Namibia - prediction, team news, lineups

Zimbabwe vs. Namibia - prediction, team news, lineups

Looking to maintain their 100% record so far, Namibia prepare for their brawl against Zimbabwe on Sunday in Port Elizabeth.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe are still in search of their first victory of the tournament after being held to back-to-back stalemates.


Match preview

Namibia defied the odds in their opening COSAFA Cup fixture on Wednesday when they claimed a 2-1 victory over Senegal.

Ricardo Mannetti's men took the lead in the 13th minute through Marcel Papama, but they were pegged back moments later by Albert Diene, before Elmo Kambindu struck five minutes into the second period to decide the contest.

Despite having played just one game, the Brave Warriors lead the way in Group A at the moment, albeit only on goal difference.

Awaiting them next is a Zimbabwe side who they have beaten three times in a row, one of which was a group-stage meeting in this competition six years ago.

Zimbabwe showed great powers of recovery to come from two goals down and force a 2-2 draw in their clash versus Malawi on Friday.

Zdravko Logarusic's men looked dead and buried when Schumacher Kuwali netted in the 52nd minute to double his side's lead, only for Blessing Sarupinda and Ben Musaka to come to the rescue.

Having picked up two points from as many games, the Warriors remain third in Group B with a lot still left to play for.

No team has won the COSAFA Cup on more occasions than Zimbabwe, who are gunning for a seventh title overall in South Africa.

However, their start to the tournament has been far from ideal, and improvement is needed if they are to go all the way once again.

Zimbabwe COSAFA Cup form:
  • D
  • D

Zimbabwe form (all competitions):
  • L
  • L
  • W
  • L
  • D
  • D

Namibia COSAFA Cup form:
  • W

Namibia form (all competitions):
  • L
  • L
  • D
  • W
  • W
  • W


Team News

Zimbabwe's Farau Matare was a half-time substitute against Malawi, but he could be reinstated into the starting XI for this one.

Ovidy Karuru's frustration in front of goal continues, as the 2017 top scorer is yet to open his account at this year's event.

In what was only his fourth outing for Namibia, Elmo Kambindu netted his second goal as he continues to impress for his nation.

More of the same is needed from the 28-year-old forward, who has big boots to fill in the absence of Peter Shalulile and Deon Hotto.

Zimbabwe possible starting lineup:

Arubi; Amini, Mavhurume, Dzingai, Mucheto; Band, Sarupinda, Tavengwa, Nyahwa; Matare, Karuru

Namibia possible starting lineup:

Kazapua; Petrus, Gebhardt, Haoseb, Kamberipa; Handura, Katjiteo, Papama; Limbondi, Kambindu, Stephanus


We say: Zimbabwe 2-1 Namibia

Namibia punched considerably above their weight against Senegal, which should give them confidence heading into another meeting with one of the tournament favourites. However, Zimbabwe came into their own in the final knockings of their last game, and we expect them to carry that form into Sunday's game and claim all three points.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


POLL
Who will win Sunday's COSAFA Cup clash between Zimbabwe and Namibia?
Zimbabwe 50%
Draw 0%
Namibia 50%
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