Namibia will host the Flames in their upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup Group H qualifier in Francistown, Botswana, this September, marking a shift in home match venues for the Brave Warriots.
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has opted to move their fixtures from South Africa—where they previously played due to stadium compliance issues at home—to neighbouring Botswana, citing stronger local support and historical ties with the Namibian diaspora in Botswana.
The Brave Warriors had earlier hosted Liberia and Tunisia at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, recording 1-1 and a goalless draws, respectively.
Their third match, also a goalless draw against Equatorial Guinea, was played at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
According to NFA acting secretary general Cassius Moetie, the decision to switch to Francistown was
influenced by the need to connect with Namibian fans based in Botswana, many of whom are descendants of those who fled the 1904 Herero and Nama genocide.
NFA is hoping for an improved patronage in Botswana.
first round match. | Courtesy of FAM
Moetie admitted that although Francistown is over 1 300 kilometres from Windhoek, the benefits outweigh the distance.
Meanwhile, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says it has not yet received official communication from Namibia on the change of venue.
FAM competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said: “Officially, Namibia FA is yet to to inform us on their choice of their home matches.
“But of course, we are aware of their decision to play in Francistown. We also saw the announcement in the media.”
Namibia currently sits second in Group H with 12 points, trailing group leaders Tunisia, who have 16 points.
Liberia follows with 10 points, Equatorial Guinea with seven, and Malawi is fifth with six points. São Tomé and Príncipe are bottom of the table with no point.
Namibia previously defeated Malawi 1-0 at Bingu
