Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIMBABWE have gone top of Group J after a one-nil victory over Namibia in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa this Thursday.
The Warriors recorded their first win of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers after getting the better of the Brave Warriors of Namibia at the Orlando Stadium in South Africa.
Khama Billiat’s 33rd-minute penalty made the difference and took Zimbabwe to the top of the group with five points from three matches.
The win was also Michael Nees’ first as the Warriors head coach after two draws in Zimbabwe’s first two AFCON qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon.
“Our target is to have a chance to qualify when we get to the final matches in November, and now we have a qualification pathway in our hands, but the group is far from being decided yet,” he said.
His Namibian counterpart, Collin Benjamin rued missed opportunities.
“I think we can all agree that we created nine chances. Sadly, we failed to take any of them, and at this level, it’s all about taking your chances, but I am happy we are making progress,” said Benjamin.
Namibia dominated the match and created the better chances but were not able to find the right side of the upright post, and on the occasions they did, goalkeeper Washington Arubi was on hand to deny them a goal.
Zimbabwe take on the same opponents in the return match at the same venue on Monday looking to consolidate their position in the group.
Kenya and Cameroon, who are also in Group J, clash this Friday at the Japoma stadium in Doula, Cameroon.
The top two teams from the group will progress to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations set to be hosted by Morocco.
