Namibia Names 22-Player Squad for AFCON Qualifiers Against Cameroon

Namibia's national football team announced a 22‑player squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cameroon, with the first leg set for November 12 in Douala and the return match on November 16 in Botswana. The announcement was made on Tuesday, as wind‑to‑sunna in Windhoek. In the words of the Namibian Football Association, the selection reflects a strategic push to combine seasoned trialists with emerging talents. The squad’s name has been released to the public online and in local media as a key step in preparing the team for the tightly scheduled qualifiers.

Head coach Collin Benjamin, who has overseen Namibia’s rise in recent African football rankings, stressed that the squad balances international experience with fresh vigor. Veterans Deon Hotto and Riaan Hanamub, who have worn the national jersey in more than 30 matches each, are expected to anchor the midfield and defense. Emerging names such as Ndisiro Kamajanda, Musipilli Sibeso, and Ingo Barthromeus Kalonda bring pace and creativity. According to Xinhua, the mix aims to strengthen leadership on the field while creating chances for younger players to develop under international pressure.

The squad will miss attacking midfielder Petrus Shitembi, who has been sidelined since an injury sustained while playing for his club in the Namibia Premier League. Shitembi, who has scored six goals for the national side over the past year, was ruled out by the medical staff after a ligament strain in his right ankle. Xinhua noted that his absence leaves a gap in the central creative role, but the coaching staff is hopeful that the remaining midfielders can compensate with disciplined play. The injury report suggests a recovery period of at least three months, ruling him out of both qualifiers.

Windhoek will send the team to Douala on November 12 for the away fixture, where Cameroon will host the game on a known quality pitch. Following the trip, the Namibia squad will return to Botswana on November 16 to host Cameroon at the newly upgraded Gaborone Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 30,000 seats. The return leg in Botswana offers Namibia a home advantage, differing from the neutral venue used in the first match. The scheduled travel and accommodation details are being managed by the Namibia Football Association with a focus on minimizing fatigue and ensuring players remain at peak fitness.

In the AFCON qualification Group G standings, Namibia sits third with three points from two matches, just one point behind the host nation Cameroon. Comoros holds the second spot, while Congo remains at the bottom of the group table. Xinhua reported that the recent performance of Namibia’s squad shows an improvement in defensive organization, but the team still needs to convert opportunities into goals to catch up with top‑placed rivals. The qualifiers are critical, as only the top two teams in each group will advance to the 2027 tournament announced by the Confederation of African Football.

With the qualifiers looming, fans across Windhoek, Windhoek football fans are already chanting for a triumphant performance, and local clubs are holding training sessions to support the national side. The Namibian Football Association has promised to provide the team with full medical and logistical support, citing the importance of a successful campaign to inspire the next generation of footballers in the country. As the fixtures approach on November 12 and 16, Namibia’s 22‑player squad stands ready to face Cameroon on an international stage, carrying the hopes of a nation eager for continental glory.