In a fixture that could see either side exit the tournament, Namibia take on Tanzania in the Total African Nations Championship on Saturday, as both sides look to bounce back from disappointing defeats last time out.
The Brave Warriors of Namibia suffered a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Guinea, while Tanzania fell to a 2-0 defeat against Zambia.
Match preview
Tanzania booked their place at the sixth African Nations Championship in dramatic fashion, as they edged out Sudan on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 aggregate score.
The Taifa Stars, led by Etienne Ndayiragije, opened their CHAN campaign with a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Tuesday.
Ndayiragije was appointed head coach of the Tanzania national team in 2018, after a two-year stint with Tanzanian-based side Vital'O between 2015 and 2016
Tanzania are currently on the back of a dire eight-game winless run across all competitions, with five defeats and two draws since a 1-0 victory over Zanzibar in the CECAFA Cup.
Fellow strugglers Namibia are making only their second CHAN appearance, after defeating Madagascar 2-1 on aggregate at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in the final round of qualifiers
The Brave Warriors were the first nation to arrive in Cameroon, and they began training ahead of the tournament at the Douala Annex Stadium on December 8.
They are led by former Namibia international Bobby Samaria, who was appointed head coach in 2019, following spells with Black Africa, Africa Stars and United Africa Tigers
In their Group D opener, the 2009 finalists suffered a 3-0 humbling to Guinea at the Stade Omnisports de Limbe, as they failed to impress at both ends of the pitch.
This loss brings the Brave Warriors' winless run to five, as they have failed to taste victory since their 2-1 win over Chad in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in 2019.
Since his appointment, Bobby Samaria has struggled for results, averaging one point per game with two wins and four defeats in eight outings.
Namibia African Nations Championship form: L
Namibia form (all competitions): WLDLLL
Tanzania African Nations Championship form: L
Tanzania form (all competitions): LLLDDL
Team News
Namibia have a clean bill of health going into this fixture, after an injury-free outing last time out.
Bobby Samaria could make some alterations to his starting XI, as he seeks to make amends for the round one defeat to Guinea.
Ayubu Lyanga is the only guaranteed absentee for Tanzania, after picking up an injury last time out, meaning that Adam Omar Adam could be handed his first start of the competition.
Head coach Etienne Ndayiragije could revert to his preferred 4-1-3-2 formation, after opting for a 4-1-4-1 in the defeat to Zambia
Namibia possible starting lineup:
Maova; Ngaruka, Martin, Kamberipa, Petrus; Limbondi, Papama, Fredericks, Heita; Ambrosius, Kambindu
Tanzania possible starting lineup:
Manula; Kapombe, Mwamnyeto, Protus, Manyama; Majogoro; Mhilu, Salum, Kikoti, Adam; Nchimbi
We say: Namibia 1-1 Tanzania
A close contest is expected at the Stade Omnisports de Limbe due to the high stakes of the results. Both sides will aim to cancel out each other in order to keep alive their chances of making it to the next round.
