Hilma Nalupe
FRANCISTOWN-The Brave Warriors kept their FIFA World Cup qualification dream alive with a convincing 3-0 victory over São Tomé and Prìncipe at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, on yesterday.
Namibia came into the match determined to bounce back from recent setbacks and captain Peter Shalulile led by example with a brilliant hat-trick that sealed the three points for his side.
The opener arrived just before the break. With four minutes remaining in the first half, striker David Ndeunyema slipped a well-timed pass through to Shalulile, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
The second half saw Namibia grow in confidence, dominating possession and pushing their opponents deeper into defence. Shalulile doubled the lead after connecting with a cross from Riaan Hanamub, showing his trademark composure in front of goal. The Mamelodi Sundowns striker then completed his hat-trick when Deon Hotto provided another assist, sealing the 3-0 win for Namibia.
It was a statement performance from the Warriors, who showed both attacking flair and defensive discipline to keep a clean sheet. The win ensures Namibia stays second in Group H, with 15 points. However, direct qualification is no longer possible, as Tunisia have already secured top spot in the group and automatic passage to the World Cup.
Speaking after the match, head coach Collin Benjamin expressed pride in the team’s performance but also highlighted areas for improvement: “I am very proud of the boys, this was a well-deserved win. But we have to keep improving. Each player needs to take responsibility to grow individually, because when that happens, the whole team becomes stronger. We are creating chances, but not converting enough of them, and that remains a big concern. Football is a process, and we have to stay patient, keep working, and keep believing we can do better.”
Namibia’s hopes now rest on finishing among the four best runners-up across the African qualifying groups, which would earn them a place in the play-offs. For that, every goal and every point could prove crucial.