WINDHOEK: The national football team of Namibia is gearing up for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers with a 36-man squad, as announced by the national team coaches on Sunday. The competition, which is reserved for players participating in their local leagues, will see Namibia face Lesotho in the initial round of qualifiers, commencing training at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Technical Centre on Monday afternoon.
According to Namibia News Agency, Namibia’s first round of qualifiers against Lesotho is scheduled to take place between October 25-27 and November 1-3, 2024. The succeeding round is slated for December 20-22 and December 27-29, 2024, where the victor will face Angola. The winner of this encounter will secure a place in the final tournament, which will be held across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1-28, 2025. This eighth edition of the tournament will mark the first time the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has chosen three nations to co-host
the event, with 16 other African teams participating.
The selected squad for Namibia includes goalkeepers Kamaijanda Ndisiro from African Stars, John Muronga from Eeshoke Chula Chula, Donald Boois from FC Ongos, and Tomwell Damaseb from Mighty Gunners. Defenders comprise Charles Hambira, Ngero Katua, and Tuli Nashixwa, among others. Midfielders include Lawrence Doeseb, Godwin Eiseb, and Mbakondja Tjihikika, with forwards such as Willy Stephanus and Paulus Aluhodi leading the attack.
The upcoming games represent a crucial opportunity for Namibia to progress in the CHAN tournament, aiming to secure a position in the competition hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the team is set to showcase their skills and competitiveness in the regional football landscape.