Namibia launched their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Congo in Gaborone, Botswana, on Thursday, claiming all three points in Group G.

The decisive moment arrived just two minutes into the second half, when Bethuel Muzeu — who plays his club football in South Africa — guided a header past the Congo goalkeeper in the 47th minute to settle the contest.

Namibia controlled large portions of the match and were the more dominant side, though Congo carved out opportunities of their own. The visitors, however, struggled to convert those chances, with their finishing proving wayward throughout the afternoon.

Among the standout performers for Namibia was full-back Riaan Hanamub, who delivered an energetic display, making a series of forceful overlapping runs that troubled Congo down the flank.

Eyes on Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania

A return to the continent's showpiece event is the goal for Namibia, who last appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations at the 2023 tournament in Côte d'Ivoire. The 2027 finals are scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, running from 19 June to 17 July.

Congo face an even longer wait to end their own absence — they have not qualified for the tournament since 2015 and will need to regroup quickly after this opening defeat.

A busy night of qualifiers across the continent

Thursday's schedule also featured several other high-profile Group stage clashes. The standout fixture sees former African champions Côte d'Ivoire host West African rivals Ghana in Bouaké, with the returning Elephants coach Hervé Renard beginning his second tenure in charge of the side.

Cameroon open their qualifying campaign at home to Comoros, while DR Congo welcome Equatorial Guinea in Group E. Sierra Leone also host Zimbabwe in another intriguing Group E encounter.

Tunisia begin a new chapter under coach Mouine Chaâbani as they host Uganda in Group H. Experienced internationals Ferjani Sassi, Aïssa Laïdouni, and Ali Maâloul have all been recalled to the squad. Uganda, however, are already guaranteed a place at the finals as co-hosts, meaning only one qualifying spot remains available to the three other teams in the group.

Elsewhere, Libya open their Group H qualifying campaign at home to Botswana, while Mauritania welcome Central African Republic in Group F.