AFCON 2027 Qualifiers · Group G · Matchday 1 · FULL-TIME
🇳🇦 Namibia 1 – 0 Congo 🇨🇬
⚽ Bethuel Muzeu [47]’
Played in Botswana (Namibia’s designated home venue) · Thursday 24 September 2026 · 13:00 GMT
Summary: Namibia won the very first match of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers, beating Congo 1–0 in Botswana. Forward Bethuel Muzeu scored the only goal, ending the Brave Warriors’ long scoring drought. Collin Benjamin’s side then survived a tense finish, including six minutes of stoppage time, to spoil veteran French coach Claude Le Roy’s competitive return with the Red Devils.
How the match unfolded
Namibia lined up in a 4-3-3, with Peter Shalulile leading the attack alongside Deon Hotto and Bethuel Muzeu. Muzeu broke the deadlock [in the first/second half] to put the Brave Warriors ahead, and the lead held for the rest of the match.
Congo pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half. Geltany Bantsiele fired a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area wide, and the game grew increasingly scrappy as fouls piled up. Namibia had chances to kill it off late on. Stoffel Witbeen missed a left-footed shot from the centre of the box.
The referee added six minutes of stoppage time, and Congo came agonisingly close in the dying moments. Beni Namboka’s right-footed effort from a tight angle on the right was saved. The Brave Warriors held on for three precious points.
Why this win matters for Namibia
Namibia came into the qualifiers winless in six matches and without a goal in five of them, including defeats to Tunisia, Comoros (twice) and Kazakhstan. Muzeu’s strike ends that drought and gives Benjamin’s rebuilding side the perfect start in a group where the top two qualify for AFCON 2027. Muzeu has delivered in big moments before: he assisted Deon Hotto’s goal in Namibia’s historic first-ever AFCON finals win.
A tough start for Claude Le Roy’s Congo
Congo had not played since October 2025, when they lost 1-0 to Morocco in World Cup qualifying, and they arrived with just one win in their last ten matches. The 78-year-old Le Roy, back in the dugout for his first competitive match since returning, saw his side create late chances but fail to find a way through. The Red Devils now face a daunting home test against group favourites Cameroon.
Group G standings after Namibia v Congo
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇦 Namibia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 🇨🇲 Cameroon | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇰🇲 Comoros | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 🇨🇬 Congo | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
Cameroon face Comoros at 19:00 GMT (22:00 (10:00 PM) EAT) tonight to complete Group G’s Matchday 1.
Next up — Matchday 2 (29 September)
- 🇰🇲 Comoros v Namibia 🇳🇦
- 🇨🇬 Congo v Cameroon 🇨🇲 (Brazzaville)
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Namibia vs Congo?
Namibia beat Congo 1–0 in the opening match of AFCON 2027 qualifying on 24 September 2026.
Who scored for Namibia against Congo?
Bethuel Muzeu scored the only goal of the match.
Where was Namibia vs Congo played?
In Botswana. Namibia played their designated home fixture on neutral ground.
Who is Congo’s coach?
Veteran French coach Claude Le Roy, who returned to lead the Red Devils. This was his first competitive match back in charge.
When do Namibia and Congo play next?
On 29 September 2026. Namibia travel to Comoros, and Congo host Cameroon in Brazzaville.
All fixtures: Matchday 1 & 2 schedule · Where to watch: broadcast guide · Pick your 24 qualifiers: AFCON 2027 predictor