Namibia will be without Elmo Kambindu for their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group A qualifier match against Guinea on Sunday afternoon in Windhoek.
The Mighty Gunners’ striker was on target last time out when Namibia lost 2-1 to Mali at home and will miss the encounter against Guinea due to suspension.
Coach Bobby Samaria confirms Kambindu absence and describes it as a blow.
”It’s sad and regrettable that we have to withdraw him from the team. He was supposed to miss the Chad game away but now that game is cancelled, he is suspended for the Guinea match and that is sad and bad for us. He has become a pillar in the team. But we now have to focus with other players,” Samaria says.
The coach adds that apart from Manfred Starke, who is due to arrive on Wednesday morning, all players are in camp. Ryan Nyambe withdrew last week due to COVID-19 Regulations in the UK.
”All the professional players have joined the team and we are getting down to business. Of course, depending on what happens on Wednesday night between Mali and Guinea, Sunday’s game will have its own dynamics. We have to finish off well and have the chance to do it at home.”
Mali has already qualified. Second-place Guinea are on eight points and Namibia are in third on six points.
If Guniea draw against Mali on Wednesday night, Namibia must then beat Guinea 3-0 on Sunday afternoon to advance on head-to-head. Namibia lost 2-0 to the Guniea away. If Guinea lose to Mali, any win for Namibia will be enough to take them through to the Cameroon 2021 AFCON finals. If Guinea wins against Mali they will qualify from Group A with the latter.
The match on Sunday will be at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 15h00 and with no fans in the stadium.
Namibia squad:
Goalkeepers: Loydt Kazapua, Virgil Vries, Edward Maova, Ratanda Mbazuvara, Ndisiro Kamaijanda.
Defenders: Tiberius Lombard, Ananias Gebhardt, Immanuel Heita, Riaan Hanamub, Ivan Kamberipa, Emilio Martin, Amazing Kandjii, Vitapi Ngaruka, Aprocius Petrus, Denzil Haoseb, Charles Hambira.
Midfielders: Deon Hotto, Wangu Gome, Dynamo Fredericks, Aubrey Amseb, Wendell Rudath, Absalom Iimbondi, Marcel Papama, Prins Tjiueza, Willy Stephanus, Alfeus Handura, Wesley Katjiteo, Manfred Starke, Steven Damaseb.
Forwards: Peter Shalulile, Derl Goagoseb, Issaskar Gurirab, Joslin Kamatuka, Salomon Omseb.
Source: www.nfa.org.na
