Namibia’s football team Brave Warriors will be looking to exorcise old demons when they lock horns with familiar foes at the 2025 Cosafa Cup, following Tuesday’s group stage draw in Mangaung, South Africa.

The regional tournament is scheduled to take place from 4 to 15 June. 

Namibia has been drawn into Group B alongside Angola, Malawi and Lesotho – a tough but familiar lineup. Angola looms large in the minds of the Brave Warriors and their fans. 

The Palancas Negras handed Namibia a resounding 5-0 defeat in last year’s Cosafa Cup final, a painful memory that still stings in the hearts of many.

Despite that crushing loss, the Warriors now have an opportunity to rewrite the script and turn the tables on their regional rivals.

“Facing Angola again is never easy, especially after what happened in the final last year. I don’t believe Namibia stands a strong chance to top the group with them in it. Maybe, just maybe, we might sneak through to the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams,” said local football analyst Kavii Vezemburuka.

While skepticism abounds, others are choosing to focus on the opportunity for redemption. 

Head coach Collin Benjamin, though reserved in his comments, welcomed the group draw.

“It’s a great group,” he remarked.

“This means more matches, which is a good platform to enhance the experience of our young team. We played in the final twice in the last three years. So, we have to fancy our chances. We must just work harder and be smarter tactically. Remember that we are in a transitional period, where we must integrate young, hungry players and get the results at the same time. It’s not easy, but we always give it our best when it comes to the nation’s pride,” said Benjamin.

Adding another layer of complexity, the Warriors are scheduled to play a friendly match against South Africa on 10 June – right in the middle of the Cosafa Cup schedule. 

It remains unclear whether the fixture will go ahead or if the technical team will field two separate squads to fulfill both commitments. 

However, Benjamin stopped short of elaborating on his tactical plans for the upcoming tournament.

Elsewhere, hosts South Africa headline Group A, where they will renew rivalries with neighbours Zimbabwe. 

Last year’s bronze medallists Mozambique and minnows Mauritius complete the group. 

In Group C, North African giants and guest nation Morocco will face Madagascar and Eswatini in what is expected to be a hotly-contested pool. Morocco, who stunned the world by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, will be one of the favourites, despite fielding a locally-based squad.

Group D features tournament heavyweights Zambia, who have lifted the Cosafa Cup a record seven times. 

They are joined by Botswana and Comoros. The format of the tournament remains unchanged – only the top team from each group will advance to the semifinals. 

The winner of Group A will face the winner of Group D. 

The top team in Group B will take on the winner of Group C. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na