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Namibia national football team facts for kids

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This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Namibia women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Namibia
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Namibia Warriors
Association Namibia Football Association (NFA)
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach Collin Benjamin
Captain Peter Shalulile
Most caps Denzil Haoseb (83)
Top scorer Peter Shalulile (16)
Home stadium Independence Stadium
FIFA code NAM
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 110 Increase 1 (7 February 2019)
Highest 68 (November 1998)
Lowest 167 (July 2006)
Elo ranking
Current 111 Increase 4 (3 March 2019)
Highest 100 (12 September 1998)
Lowest 165 (22 July 2006)
First international
South Africa South-West Africa 0–1 Angola 
(Namibia; 16 May 1989)
Biggest win
 Namibia 6–0 Botswana 
(Windhoek, Namibia; 25 August 1996)
 Namibia 8–2 Benin 
(Windhoek, Namibia; 15 July 2000)
Biggest defeat
 Egypt 7–1 Namibia 
(Cairo, Egypt; 8 November 1996)
 Egypt 8–2 Namibia 
(Alexandria, Egypt; 13 July 2001)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances 4 (first in 1998)
Best result Round of 16 (2023)
African Nations Championship
Appearances 2 (first in 2018)
Best result Quarter-finals (2018)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances 19 (first in 1997)
Best result Champions (2015)
Medal record
COSAFA Cup
Gold 2015 South Africa
Silver 1997 Southern Africa
Silver 1999 Southern Africa
Silver 2024 South Africa

The Namibia national football team represents Namibia in men's international football. It is controlled by the Namibia Football Association. The team is also known as the Namibia Warriors.

They have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. However, they have played in the Africa Cup of Nations four times. The team is part of both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

History of the Namibia Warriors

Namibia played its first international match on May 16, 1989. They were called South-West Africa then. They played against their neighbor Angola at home and lost 1–0.

Just two days after Namibia became independent from South Africa, on March 23, 1990, they played against Zimbabwe. They lost that game 5–1. Their first win came on July 1, 1994, when they beat Botswana 1–0 in a friendly match.

On May 17, 1998, Namibia played their first game outside Africa. They lost 2–1 to Saudi Arabia in France.

Africa Cup of Nations Appearances

Namibia has played in the Africa Cup of Nations four times. In their first three times, they did not get past the first round. In 1998, they lost to Ivory Coast (4–3) and South Africa (4–1). They also had a 3–3 draw with Angola.

In 2008, they lost to Morocco (5–1) and Ghana (1–0). They drew 1–1 with Guinea. In 2019, they lost all their group games. They scored only one goal in total.

In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Namibia made it to the Round of 16 for the first time! This was a big achievement. They lost 3–0 against Angola in that round.

Top Players

The player with the most "caps" (games played for the national team) is defender Denzil. He has played 83 games. The all-time top goal scorer is Peter Shalulile with 16 goals. He reached this record in a game against Cameroon in March 2023.

Recent Matches and Future Games

Main article: Namibia national football team results (2020–present)

Here are the results of matches played by Namibia in the last year. It also shows any games scheduled for the future.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2023 Matches

  • November 15: Equatorial Guinea 0–3 Namibia (FIFA World Cup qualification) - Win (Awarded)
  • November 21: São Tomé and Príncipe 0–2 Namibia (FIFA World Cup qualification) - Win

2024 Matches

  • January 8: Ghana 0–0 Namibia (Friendly) - Draw
  • January 16: Tunisia 0–1 Namibia (Africa Cup of Nations) - Win
  • January 21: South Africa 4–0 Namibia (Africa Cup of Nations) - Loss
  • January 24: Namibia 0–0 Mali (Africa Cup of Nations) - Draw
  • January 27: Angola 3–0 Namibia (Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16) - Loss
  • June 1: Lesotho 1–1 Namibia (Friendly) - Draw
  • June 5: Namibia 1–1 Liberia (FIFA World Cup qualification) - Draw
  • June 9: Namibia 0–0 Tunisia (FIFA World Cup qualification) - Draw
  • June 28: Angola 0–0 Namibia (COSAFA Cup) - Draw
  • July 1: Namibia 2–1 Lesotho (COSAFA Cup) - Win
  • July 3: Namibia 3–1 Seychelles (COSAFA Cup) - Win
  • July 5: Mozambique 0–0 Namibia (2–4 penalties) (COSAFA Cup Semi-final) - Draw (Won on penalties)
  • July 7: Angola 5–0 Namibia (COSAFA Cup Final) - Loss
  • October 26: Lesotho 1–0 Namibia (African Nations Championship qualification) - Loss
  • November 3: Namibia vs. Lesotho (African Nations Championship qualification) - Future Match

Coaches of the Team

Here is a list of the coaches who have led the Namibia national football team over the years. Caretaker managers (coaches who temporarily take charge) are shown in italics.

  • Namibia Eric Muinjo (1992–1993)
  • Zimbabwe Shepherd Murape (1994–1995)
  • Namibia Ruston Mogane (1997–1998)
  • Namibia Mlungisi Ngubane (1998)
  • Namibia Seth Boois (1998–1999)
  • Germany Heinz-Peter Überjahn (1999)
  • Namibia Herman Katjiuongua (2000)
  • Namibia Lucky Richter (2000)
  • Romania Ted Dumitru (2000–2003)
  • Zimbabwe Shepherd Murape (2004)
  • Zambia Ben Bamfuchile (2006–2007)
  • Netherlands Arie Schans (2007–2008)
  • Belgium Tom Saintfiet (2008–2010)
  • Namibia Brian Isaacs (2010–2011)
  • Namibia Bernard Kaanjuka (2011–2013)
  • Sweden Roger Palmgren (2013)
  • Namibia Ricardo Mannetti (2013–2015)
  • Namibia Fillemon Kanalelo (2015)
  • Namibia Ricardo Mannetti (2015–2019)
  • Namibia Bobby Samaria (2019–2021)
  • Namibia Collin Benjamin (2022–present)

Current Players

This section lists the players who were chosen for the 2024 COSAFA Cup.

The numbers for games played (caps) and goals scored are correct as of June 28, 2024, after the match against Angola.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Kamaijanda Ndisiro (1999-12-01) 1 December 1999 (age 25) 6 0 Namibia African Stars
1GK Jonas Mateus (1996-02-10) 10 February 1996 (age 29) 0 0 Namibia Ongos Valley
1GK Branco Rukoro (2005-05-01) 1 May 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Namibia Desert Rollers
2DF Aprocius Petrus (1999-10-09) 9 October 1999 (age 25) 36 0 South Africa Cape Town City
2DF Ivan Kamberipa (1994-02-03) 3 February 1994 (age 31) 35 0 Botswana Orapa United
2DF Charles Hambira (1990-06-03) 3 June 1990 (age 35) 32 3 Namibia African Stars
2DF Erasmus Ikeinge (1995-02-08) 8 February 1995 (age 30) 4 0 Namibia Khomas NAMPOL
2DF Ndjiraeree Maharero (1994-05-28) 28 May 1994 (age 31) 2 0 Namibia African Stars
2DF Arend Abubakir (2002-03-17) 17 March 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Namibia Blue Waters
2DF Tuli Nashixwa (2002-05-23) 23 May 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Namibia Ramblers
3MF Edmund Kambanda (1993-02-25) 25 February 1993 (age 32) 10 1 Namibia African Stars
3MF Romeo Kasume (1997-10-21) 21 October 1997 (age 27) 7 0 Kosovo Liria Prizren
3MF Paulus Amutenya (2002-07-22) 22 July 2002 (age 22) 6 0 Namibia UNAM
3MF Tjipe Karuuombe (2001-09-21) 21 September 2001 (age 23) 4 1 Georgia (country) Dinamo Tblisi
3MF Simon Elago (2002-10-07) 7 October 2002 (age 22) 2 0 Namibia Tura Magic
3MF Fares Haidula (1993-10-17) 17 October 1993 (age 31) 2 0 Namibia Eeshoke Chula Chula
3MF Ben Richard Namib (1999-08-20) 20 August 1999 (age 25) 2 0 Namibia Khomas NAMPOL
3MF Lawrence Doeseb (2003-06-04) 4 June 2003 (age 22) 1 0 Namibia Life Fighters
3MF Moses Shidolo (1998-05-20) 20 May 1998 (age 27) 1 0 Namibia Eeshoke Chula Chula
3MF Dawid Ndeunyema (2002-08-22) 22 August 2002 (age 22) 0 0 Namibia Blue Waters
4FW Bethuel Muzeu (2000-02-22) 22 February 2000 (age 25) 17 1 South Africa Black Leopards
4FW Erastus Kulula (1997-02-27) 27 February 1997 (age 28) 3 0 Kosovo Liria Prizren
4FW George Frans (1998-11-01) 1 November 1998 (age 26) 0 0 Namibia Khomas NAMPOL

Recently Called-Up Players

These players have been called up to play for Namibia in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Lloyd Kazapua (1989-03-25) 25 March 1989 (age 36) 43 0 South Africa Chippa United v.  Tunisia; 9 June 2024
GK Edward Maova (1994-09-05) 5 September 1994 (age 30) 13 0 South Africa University of Pretoria 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
GK Immanuel Immanuel (1990-12-02) 2 December 1990 (age 34) 0 0 Namibia Blue Waters 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Riaan Hanamub (1995-02-08) 8 February 1995 (age 30) 46 0 South Africa AmaZulu v.  Tunisia; 9 June 2024
DF Denzil Haoseb (1991-02-25) 25 February 1991 (age 34) 83 0 Namibia Khomas NAMPOL 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Ananias Gebhardt (1988-09-08) 8 September 1988 (age 36) 65 2 South Africa Baroka 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Ryan Nyambe (1997-12-03) 3 December 1997 (age 27) 18 0 England Derby County 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Kennedy Amutenya (1996-07-15) 15 July 1996 (age 28) 15 0 Botswana Gaborone United 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Lubeni Haukongo (2000-09-24) 24 September 2000 (age 24) 7 0 South Africa Cape Town Spurs 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Steven Damaseb (2002-10-11) 11 October 2002 (age 22) 4 0 Namibia Blue Waters 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Given Mutuezu (1997-03-21) 21 March 1997 (age 28) 0 0 Namibia Mighty Gunners 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Edmar Kamatuka (2002-07-26) 26 July 2002 (age 22) 7 0 Namibia UNAM v.  Tunisia; 9 June 2024
MF Petrus Shitembi (1992-05-11) 11 May 1992 (age 33) 79 4 Malaysia Kuching City 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Marcel Papama (1996-04-28) 28 April 1996 (age 29) 34 1 Botswana Jwaneng Galaxy 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Joslin Kamatuka (1991-07-27) 27 July 1991 (age 33) 26 3 South Africa Maritzburg United 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Wendell Rudath (1995-07-10) 10 July 1995 (age 29) 17 2 Botswana Jwaneng Galaxy 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Prins Tjiueza (2002-03-12) 12 March 2002 (age 23) 14 1 South Africa Cape Town City 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Ngero Katua (2001-07-25) 25 July 2001 (age 23) 12 0 Namibia UNAM 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Uetuuru Kambato (1998-01-24) 24 January 1998 (age 27) 3 0 Kosovo Liria Prizren 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Ronald Ketjijere (1987-12-12) 12 December 1987 (age 37) 69 2 Namibia African Stars 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Devin Somseb (1995-05-29) 29 May 1995 (age 30) 3 0 Namibia United Africa Tigers 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Revered Matroos (1993-03-08) 8 March 1993 (age 32) 1 0 Namibia Khomas NAMPOL 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Alfeus Leevi (2001-01-18) 18 January 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Namibia Eeshoke Chula Chula 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Steven Damaseb (2002-10-11) 11 October 2002 (age 22) 0 0 Namibia Blue Waters 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Deon Hotto (1990-10-29) 29 October 1990 (age 34) 75 11 South Africa Orlando Pirates v.  Tunisia; 9 June 2024
FW Peter Shalulile (Captain) (1993-03-23) 23 March 1993 (age 32) 54 16 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Tunisia; 9 June 2024
FW Absalom Iimbondi (1991-10-11) 11 October 1991 (age 33) 64 7 Namibia Khomas NAMPOL 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
FW Elmo Kambindu (1993-05-26) 26 May 1993 (age 32) 28 9 South Africa Chippa United 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Isaskar Gurirab (1998-03-01) 1 March 1998 (age 27) 12 2 Namibia Blue Waters 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Junior Petrus (2000-06-17) 17 June 2000 (age 25) 4 0 Namibia Blue Waters 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Sem Ndeshipanda Ndahangwapo (2000-09-24) 24 September 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Namibia Blue Waters 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE

DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up.
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
PRE Preliminary squad.
RET Player has retired from international football.
SUS Suspended from the national team.

Past Squads

Here are links to the squads from previous Africa Cup of Nations tournaments:

  • 1998 African Cup of Nations squad
  • 2008 Africa Cup of Nations squad
  • 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squad
  • 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad

Player Records

This section shows the players with the most games played and the most goals scored for Namibia. Players whose names are in bold are still playing for the national team.

Most Games Played (Caps)

Most appearances
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Denzil Haoseb 83 0 2011–present
2 Deon Hotto 80 12 2013–present
3 Petrus Shitembi 79 4 2011–present
4 Ronald Ketjijere 69 2 2010–2019
5 Ananias Gebhardt 65 2 2011–present
6 Absalom Iimbondi 64 7 2015–present
7 Johannes Hindjou 63 10 1996–2005
8 Larry Horaeb 61 0 2011–2021
Willy Stephanus 61 3 2011–present
10 Mohamed Ouseb 60 3 1994–2004

Top Goal Scorers

Top goalscorers
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Peter Shalulile 16 59 0.27 2014–present
2 Rudolph Bester 13 46 0.28 2004–2014
3 Deon Hotto 12 80 0.15 2013–present
4 Gervatius Urikhob 11 40 0.28 1993–2003
5 Elmo Kambindu 10 29 0.34 2019–present
Johannes Hindjou 10 63 0.16 1996–2005
7 Benson Shilongo 9 34 0.26 2011–2021
Eliphas Shivute 9 37 0.24 1993–2001
9 Hendrik Somaeb 8 31 0.28 2011–2019
Ruben van Wyk 8 33 0.24 1994–2002

Tournament Records

This section shows how Namibia has performed in major football tournaments.

FIFA World Cup Record

Namibia has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1990 Part of  South Africa Part of  South Africa
United States 1994 Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 0 12
France 1998 8 2 2 4 9 18
South Korea Japan 2002 10 1 3 6 7 27
Germany 2006 2 0 1 1 1 4
South Africa 2010 6 2 0 4 7 12
Brazil 2014 8 3 2 3 10 4
Russia 2018 4 1 1 2 3 5
Qatar 2022 8 3 2 3 9 11
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 4 2 2 0 6 1
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total – 0/8 – – – – – – 54 14 13 27 52 94

Africa Cup of Nations Record

Namibia has played in the Africa Cup of Nations four times. Their best result was reaching the Round of 16 in 2023.

Africa Cup of Nations record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Sudan
1957
to
Algeria
1990		 Part of  South Africa
Senegal
1992
to
Tunisia
1994		 Did not enter
South Africa 1996 Did not qualify
Burkina Faso
1998		 Group stage 14 3 0 1 2 7 11
Ghana
Nigeria
2000		 Did not qualify
Mali
2002
Tunisia
2004
Egypt
2006
Ghana
2008		 Group stage 10 3 0 1 2 2 7
Angola
2010		 Did not qualify
Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
2012
South Africa
2013
Equatorial Guinea
2015
Gabon
2017
Egypt
2019		 Group stage 23rd 3 0 0 3 1 6
Cameroon
2021		 Did not qualify
Ivory Coast
2023		 Round of 16 15th 4 1 1 2 1 7
Morocco
2025		 Did not qualify
Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda
2027		 To be determined
2029
Total Round of 16 4/34 13 1 3 9 11 31

African Nations Championship Record

Namibia has played in the African Nations Championship twice. Their best performance was reaching the Quarter-finals in 2018.

African Nations Championship record
Appearances: 2
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Ivory Coast 2009 Did not qualify
Sudan 2011
South Africa 2014
Rwanda 2016
Morocco 2018 Quarter-finals 7th 4 2 1 1 3 3
Cameroon 2020 Group stage 15th 3 0 1 2 0 4
Algeria 2022 Did not enter
Total Quarter-finals 2/7 7 2 2 3 3 7

COSAFA Cup Record

Main article: COSAFA Cup

The COSAFA Cup is a football tournament for teams in Southern Africa. Namibia won this cup once in 2015. They have also been runners-up four times.

Honours

Regional Competitions

  • COSAFA Cup
    • Winners (1): 2015
    • Runners-up (4): 1997, 1999, 2022, 2024

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Namibia para niños

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