Namibia Vs Malawi

Namibia and Malawi are set to clash in a high-stakes encounter on Sunday at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein as both teams seek their first victory in the 2025 COSAFA Cup. Each side heads into this match needing a lift after less-than-ideal starts to their respective campaigns, and with pride, momentum, and regional bragging rights on the line, the fixture promises to be a closely contested battle. It also serves as a continuation of a budding rivalry that was rekindled as recently as March during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Namibia emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. That game was decided by an early goal from Prins Menelik Tjiueza, the dynamic Cape Town City forward whose first-half strike proved enough to separate the sides.

Namibia's start to the current COSAFA Cup has mirrored their previous tournament openers in frustrating fashion, as they once again failed to secure a win in their first group match for the third consecutive year. The Brave Warriors were held to a dramatic 1-1 draw against Angola on Thursday in their Group B opener—a result that left a bitter aftertaste but also showcased their resilience. In a match filled with drama and physical intensity, Namibia found themselves behind at the very end of regular time when Angola’s Depu fired home in the 90th minute. That goal seemed set to condemn Namibia to a disappointing loss, particularly given that Angola had been reduced to ten men after Rayo Vallecano’s Randy Nteka was sent off earlier in the contest. However, in a stunning twist deep into injury time, Ivan Kamberipa struck in the seventh minute of stoppage time to level the match and salvage a crucial point for his side.

That late equalizer was emblematic of the newfound grit and consistency within Collin Benjamin’s squad. Namibia are currently enjoying a five-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, a significant improvement from the difficult stretch that preceded it where they suffered five straight defeats. During this current run, they’ve accumulated one victory and four draws—results that have given them a platform to rebuild confidence and rhythm in their performances. Among those positive outcomes was a vital stretch in March’s World Cup qualifiers, where Namibia followed up their win over Malawi with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea. That result preserved their unbeaten record in Group H of the qualifiers and further demonstrated their ability to compete with capable opponents on the continental stage.

With three wins and three draws in six qualifying matches, Namibia currently sit second in their World Cup qualifying group, amassing a total of 12 points. They trail Tunisia by four points, while holding a narrow two-point advantage over Liberia, who occupy third place. This positioning not only keeps Namibia in strong contention for qualification but also adds an extra layer of motivation as they continue their COSAFA Cup campaign. After finishing as runners-up in the 2024 edition—where they suffered a heavy and morale-sapping 5-0 defeat at the hands of Angola in the final—the Brave Warriors will be desperate to go one better this time and finally lift the regional trophy.

For Namibia, the sense of unfinished business runs deep. The memory of that brutal loss in the previous final is still fresh, and many of the players who experienced that disappointment remain part of the current squad. Their experience, combined with the hunger of newer additions like Tjiueza and the leadership of stalwarts such as Kamberipa, provides the team with a balanced core capable of mounting a serious challenge. That equalizer against Angola on Thursday may yet prove to be a turning point—a moment that galvanizes the squad and reignites their belief in going all the way this time around.

On the opposite side, Malawi come into Sunday’s encounter with plenty of soul-searching to do. Their return to the COSAFA Cup stage, after missing the previous edition, got off to a rocky start as they suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Lesotho in their opening match. It was a game that highlighted familiar weaknesses in Malawi’s attacking department, as the Flames failed to convert possession and pressure into tangible opportunities. Lesotho, who were organized and compact throughout, punished Malawi’s inefficiency when Makara Ntaitsane found the back of the net in the 83rd minute, ensuring Lesotho walked away with all three points.

That result added to Malawi’s recent struggles, marking their third consecutive defeat across all competitions. Back in March, during the same World Cup qualifying window that saw Namibia enjoy relative success, Malawi suffered back-to-back losses that have since defined their campaign. The first was the narrow defeat to Namibia, and it was followed by a more damaging loss to Tunisia—a match that not only dented morale but also seriously hampered their qualification prospects.

With six points from six games, Malawi now find themselves languishing in fifth place in their World Cup qualifying group. Their tally is identical to that of fourth-placed Equatorial Guinea, but they trail Namibia by six points and are a full 10 points behind group leaders Tunisia. The Flames are only ahead of Sao Tome and Principe, who have lost all six of their fixtures thus far, meaning that Malawi’s hopes of reaching the next stage hang by the thinnest of threads. They now face an uphill battle to revive their qualification campaign, and the COSAFA Cup represents a valuable opportunity to reset the narrative and build some momentum.

However, history is not exactly on Malawi’s side as they prepare to face Namibia once again. The head-to-head record between the two nations leans heavily in Namibia’s favor. Since their first meeting in June 1997, Namibia have remained unbeaten in 12 of the last 16 encounters, recording eight victories and four draws. That dominance not only gives Namibia a psychological edge heading into Sunday’s match, but it also places added pressure on Kalisto Pasuwa and his players to break the trend and produce a performance that can begin to alter the dynamics of this fixture.

The Flames will need more than just hope—they will require a tactical overhaul, better execution in the final third, and a steely defensive performance to keep Namibia at bay. Despite their poor recent form, Malawi are not devoid of talent. Players like Denis Chembezi have the quality and experience to impact games, and Pasuwa will be hoping that the squad can rediscover their rhythm and deliver a response worthy of the nation’s proud footballing heritage. It has been over a decade since Malawi made a serious run in the COSAFA Cup, and fans will be hoping that Sunday marks the beginning of a new chapter, rather than a continuation of recent disappointments.

Namibia, for their part, will be wary of complacency. While they’ve enjoyed recent success against Malawi and appear to be the more settled and confident side at the moment, tournament football often punishes those who take their opponents lightly. Collin Benjamin will undoubtedly remind his players that one lapse in concentration or a drop in intensity could undo all the progress made in recent months. He will be counting on the leadership group within the squad to keep standards high and to channel the frustration of missed opportunities against Angola into a more polished and assertive performance.

Tactically, Sunday’s match could be defined by the midfield battle. Namibia have shown in recent matches that they are comfortable with a high press and direct transitions, often using Tjiueza’s pace to stretch defenses. Malawi, meanwhile, may look to control possession more and slow down the tempo, seeking to break up Namibia’s rhythm. Set-pieces could also prove crucial, especially given the physicality of both sides and the likelihood of tight marking in open play. Defensive discipline and the ability to capitalize on moments of chaos in the box may ultimately decide the outcome.

As the game approaches, both sides understand the implications it carries—not just for their COSAFA Cup hopes, but for their broader momentum heading into the second half of the year. Namibia are seeking redemption and the chance to establish themselves as a regional powerhouse, building on their consistent performances in recent qualifiers. Malawi, meanwhile, are desperate for a spark, a result that can halt their downward spiral and inject belief back into the squad.

Regardless of the outcome, Sunday’s match will offer a window into the character, ambition, and tactical maturity of these two Southern African sides. For Namibia, a win would cement their place as legitimate title contenders in this year’s COSAFA Cup. For Malawi, victory would represent not just three points, but a statement of resilience—a message that despite recent setbacks, they remain a force to be reckoned with. With both teams coming in with something to prove, the stage is set for a captivating showdown in Bloemfontein.