Namibia slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Cameroon in Douala on Thursday, 13 November, as the Indomitable Lions moved to the top of Group G in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Goals from Saidou Alioum in the 16th minute and Bil Nsongo in the 29th decided the contest and left the Brave Warriors with a mountain to climb in a group that is tightening around them. Cameroon now sit on seven points from three matches, four clear of second-placed Comoros, who hold a game in hand.
How the match unfolded in Douala
Alioum opened the scoring when his effort took a heavy deflection on its way into the net, a stroke of fortune that settled the hosts early. Nsongo doubled the lead shortly before the half-hour mark with a more emphatic finish, according to The Namibian.
Namibia struggled to generate clear chances against a well-drilled Cameroon defence for the remainder of the contest. The hosts managed the game comfortably after the break and closed out a win that strengthens their grip on the group.
What the result means for Namibia's qualifying hopes
The defeat leaves Namibia chasing the pack in Group G with the return fixture against Cameroon looming on Monday. Comoros, on three points with a game in hand, currently occupy the second qualification spot, and the island nation's fixture backlog means the standings will keep shifting over the coming days.
For a Namibian side that has built its recent reputation on disciplined defensive organisation, the failure to create meaningful openings in Douala is the more worrying signal. Turning possession and structure into chances has been the recurring gap, and the Brave Warriors now need results, not just respectable scorelines, to stay in the race for a place at the finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire strengthen their positions
Elsewhere on Thursday, the continent's heavier sides consolidated their bids, as The Sports Encounter reported among nine qualifying matches that reshaped the race.
Senegal recovered from conceding a first-half equaliser to beat Sudan 4-1 in Dakar, moving to seven points at the top of Group J. Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring just past the half-hour mark, Mohamed Abuaagla levelled for Sudan before the break, and second-half goals from Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye and debutant Pathé Mboup settled it. Mboup marked his first international appearance with a goal from his first touch.
Côte d'Ivoire maintained their perfect record with a 2-1 win over The Gambia in Bouaké, according to GhanaSoccernet. Malick Yalcouyé and Elye Wahi put the Elephants two up, and although captain Musa Barrow pulled one back before halftime, the Ivorians held on for a third win in three. They now lead The Gambia by three points in Group C.
Ghana and Benin also make gains
The Ivorian result offered encouragement to Ghana, who beat Somalia 1-0 earlier on Thursday for their first win of the campaign after two defeats. Ghana sit on three points, within reach of The Gambia in the fight for the second qualifying spot.
BBC Sport noted that Tanzania are already assured of a place at Afcon 2027 as tournament co-hosts, leaving the remaining sides in their group to battle for a single spot.
Benin, meanwhile, delivered the most emphatic scoreline of the night, beating Central African Republic 4-1 in Abidjan. Aiyegun Tosin scored twice, with Hassane Imourane and Rodolfo Aloko also on target, as the Cheetahs moved to seven points and took control of Group F. Central African Republic remain pointless after three straight defeats.
A wider African race with lessons for Namibia
Thursday's results underline a pattern that Namibian football authorities cannot ignore. The nations pulling clear in these groups share two features: reliable goal scorers and squads deep enough to absorb injuries and suspensions across a congested fixture calendar.
Senegal's bench produced a debutant who scored with his first touch. Côte d'Ivoire's front line features two players who found the net inside 45 minutes. Cameroon's early goals came from defenders and squad players rather than established stars. Depth, not just talent, is deciding these qualification races.
Namibia's challenge in the return leg on Monday is twofold: contain a Cameroon side playing with confidence, and find an attacking formula that has so far eluded them in this campaign. The Brave Warriors' defensive structure kept the second half in Douala respectable, but qualification campaigns are won by the teams that score.
FAQ
What was the score between Cameroon and Namibia?
Cameroon won 2-0 in Douala on 13 November 2025, with goals from Saidou Alioum and Bil Nsongo inside the first half hour.
Where do Namibia stand in Group G?
Namibia remain behind Cameroon and Comoros after the defeat. Cameroon lead on seven points, while Comoros sit second on three points with a game in hand.
When do Namibia play Cameroon again?
The return fixture is scheduled for Monday, 17 November 2025.
Who is qualifying comfortably so far?
Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon and Benin all won on Thursday and hold seven or nine points after three matches, placing each of them at the top of their respective groups.