Preview: Namibia vs Malawi - prediction, team news, lineups

Namibia will be looking to solidify their second position when they welcome Malawi for their round seven fixture in Group H of the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Francistown on Sunday.

The hosts have amassed 12 points from six matches, while the Flames are fifth in the standings, after collecting six points of their own.

Match preview

The Brave Warriors have been in fine form since the beginning of the qualification campaign, a run which leaves them second in the group, and in pole position to qualify for the second round.

Although they did get three points and three goals after FIFA sanctioned Equatorial Guinea for fielding the previously ineligible Emilio Nsue against them in November 2023, they have been impressive overall.

Since that original 2-0 loss to the Nzalang Nacional, which was overturned, they have gone five games unbeaten, recording two wins and three draws, one of which was a morale-boosting 0-0 draw against leaders Tunisia.

Defensively, Collin Benjamin’s team have been solid at the back, having conceded only two goals in six encounters.

Entering this contest, the Brave Warriors will be banking on that solid backline to keep the visiting Malawians at bay on Friday.

The home side claimed a narrow 1-0 win in the reverse fixture, and that could serve as an impetus for Benjamin’s men to complete a double over their South African rivals.

Meanwhile, Malawi have endured an underwhelming qualification series, managing only two wins and four losses from six matches so far.

Those victories against Liberia (1-0) and Sao Tome (3-1) were recorded on either side of a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Tunisia in November 2023.

The Flames have since embarked on a three-game losing streak in the series, with the last being a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tunisia, meaning they will be desperate to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat.

Nevertheless, their current form across all competitions hardly inspires any confidence, and a loss in Friday’s outing could effectively end their chase of a ticket to the mundial.

Playing away has been tricky for the visitors, as they have lost their last two fixtures on the road in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.

Namibia World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Namibia form (all competitions):

Malawi World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

Malawi form (all competitions):

Team News

Regulars like Peter Shalulile, Deon Hotto, Joslin Kamatuka and Edward Maova have all been included in the squad for both matches in September.

Shalulile got the goal in their 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in the last outing, and he should be in line to lead the attack, with Kamatuka and Hotto on either flank.

In the goalkeeping department, Maova has been the undisputed first-choice, meaning he will be one of the first names on the team sheet for Friday’s fixture, while Charles Hambira and Ngero Katua should form the pair in the heart of defence.

In a bid to stem the rot, Malawi coach Callisto Pasuwa has made changes to his side ahead of the game in Francistown.

In the goalkeeping section, Joshua Waka has been selected in place of Richard Chibamba, while Emmanuel Nyirenda and Washall Jaziya have been selected ahead of Precious Sambani and Nickson Mwase.

Robert Saizi, who plies his trade in Zambia, makes a return to the squad for the first time since last October.

Namibia possible starting lineup:

Maova; Hanuman, Kamberipa, Katua, Hambira; Petrus, Shidolo, Petrus; Kamatuka, Shalulile, Hotto

Malawi possible starting lineup:

Thole; Nyirenda, Nyasulu, Chembezi, Lameck; Aaron, Njaliwa, Singini, Singo; Kaonga, Mwaungulu

We say: Namibia 1-0 Malawi

Malawi have been poor in the campaign, a situation which is highlighted by their three-game losing streak coming into this contest.

Meanwhile, Namibia are unbeaten at home so far in the series, and they can draw some confidence from their 1-0 reverse victory. Therefore, we are backing the hosts to earn a 1-0 win.

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