AFCON 2023: South Africa vs Namibia: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Govind is the Sub Editor of Football at Khel Now, a CR7 fan, Premier League enthusiast, and all-around sports lover.

Published at :January 19, 2024 at 3:40 PM

Modified at :January 19, 2024 at 3:41 PM

Collin Benjamin’s men buzzing with first-ever victory at the AFCONs

On matchday 1 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the South Africa national football team were tasked to face Mali in Group E. Goals by Lassine Sinayoko and Hamari Traoré meant the Eagles collected all three points for the group table after winning the game 2-0. Now after a 2-0 defeat, Bafana Bafana have to deal with a side that made history last game.

The Namibia national football team had never won a game of football in the AFCON tournament previously. And with 0-0 on the scoreline and 5 minutes left on the clock against Tunisia, it was seemingly going to stay that way. With 2 minutes left, Bethuel Muzeu’s delivery to the box met the head of Deon Hotto Kavendji and it changed writings in the history books. The Brave Warriors finally earned a win and three points, and are now in contention for the next rounds.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 21 January 2024 at 8:00 PM UK

Monday, 22 January 2024 at 1:30 AM IST

Location: Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium

Form

South Africa (in all competitions): L-D-L-W-D

Namibia (in all competitions): W-D-W-L-D

Players to Watch

Percy Tau (South Africa)

The Al Ahly star missed the penalty shot that could have put his team ahead under the 20 minutes of gameplay. But still, Percy Tau is an experienced player at 29 years of age. After admitting that his penalty miss probably changed the outcome of the game, Tau very well will be looking to fight for his country’s chances to enter the next stages.

Deon Hotto Kavendji (Namibia)

Deon Hotto Kavendji is the sole reason Namibia finally earned a victory at the AFCONs. Although Bethuel Muzeu’s ability to find the man from the left wing was purely brilliant, hadn’t it been for Hotto’s positioning it wouldn’t have mattered. After scoring the winning goal, the number ‘7’ should be willing to go further to make sure his side marks another win against South Africa.

Match Facts

South Africa have won only one game out of last six in all competitions
The 1-0 victory over Tunisia on matchday 1 was the first-ever win for Namibia at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament
Back in September 2023, both sides met for a friendly match. The result was 0-0 on that day

Injury & Team News

Both sides played their matchday 1 games with full squad availability and are likely to do so once again. At the moment of writing, no injury concerns ahead of matchday 2 for both nations.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 5

South Africa wins – 2

Namibia wins – 0

Draws – 3

Predicted Lineup

South Africa predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Williams (GK); Mudau, Xulu, Mvala, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Tau, Zwane, Maseko; Makgopa

Namibia predicted lineup (4-1-4-1):

Kazapua (GK); Nyambe, Amutenya, Haukongo, Hanamub; Petrus; Limbondi, Shitembi, Tijueza, Hotto; Shalulile

Match Prediction for South Africa vs Namibia

Both teams are done with their matchday 1 games. A 2-0 defeat for South Africa while a history-making 1-0 victory for Namibia. The Brave Warriors although won their game just by a goal they were threatening Mali’s goalline throughout the night. Expecting the hungry and motivated side led by Collin Benjamin to do further damage to Bafana Bafana and their 2023 AFCON journey.

Prediction: South Africa 1-3 Namibia

Telecast for South Africa vs Namibia

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – NTA

AFCON 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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Govind

Govind once believed table tennis was his favorite sport—until he discovered the magic of football and Cristiano Ronaldo. Though once told he wasn’t cut out for writing, he now edits the work of others as Sub Editor of Football at Khel Now. Not a caffeine addict, Govind runs on pure adrenaline—whether he’s playing or watching sports.