Mozambique-based Brave Warriors striker, Elmo Kambindu, scored a spectacular goal as Namibia beat Togo 1-0 in Lomé on Sunday evening in their second match of the 2022 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup Group H meeting.

The gangling former Mighty Gunners striker capitalised on poor defensive organisation by the Togolese to score with an overhead kick after Charles Hambira had flicked on a Deon Hotto free kick in the 54th minute.

Namibia started off well pinning Togo in their own half, but were very wasteful in front of goal with several chances going begging.

Captain Peter Shalulile could have opened Namibia’s account in the 23rd minute when he sneaked behind a defender and stole possession, but lacked the composure to score.

The Mamelodi Sundowns striker was then put through face to face with the goalkeeper in the 30th minute but failed to beat the onrushing Togolese goal-minder.

Eight minutes later it was Hotto’s turn to fluff another golden opportunity as Kambindu laid a perfect pass in his path, but the Orlando Pirates winger could only watch in dismay as his attempt flew over the bar.

Kambindu then missed another opportunity as his header went sailing over the crossbar to leave the two sides goalless at halftime.

The second half saw Togo getting off the blocks quicker, but it was the Brave Warriors who struck first through Kambindu, following a well-delivered free-kick by Hotto.

Togo upped the tempo in a bid to find the equaliser but found the Namibia defence solid, ending the match 1-0 in favour of the Brave Warriors.

It was Togo’s second successive defeat in the qualifiers after they lost 2-0 to Senegal on Wednesday, while for Namibia, the victory puts them temporarily on top of the group.

Previous group leaders Senegal are due to face the Republic of Congo in Brazzaville on Monday.

In October, The Brave Warriors will face Senegal home and away, before visiting Congo and then concluding their campaign at home to Togo.

Only the top team in each group advances to the final knockout stage for a place at the World Cup in Qatar.

The final knockout round featuring the 10 pool winners will be played over home and away legs in March 2022, where the five winners will appear at the global showpiece finals to be staged from 18 November to 21 December 2022.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency