Preview: Namibia vs. Mozambique - prediction, team news, lineups

In their final group-stage encounter, Namibia face off against Mozambique at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday.

Namibia only need a point to confirm their spot in the semifinal following their 1-1 draw against Malawi on Wednesday.

Match preview

After two unsuccessful attempts, Mozambique picked up their first victory of this year's COSAFA Cup by defeating Malawi by two goals to nil on Sunday.

Following a goalless first half in Port Elizabeth, the game sprung into life in the second period as goals from Vitinho and Francisco Simbine in a 14-minute spell decided the outcome.

As a result of that triumph, Horacio Goncalves's men have now moved into second place in Group B, which is enough to secure a place in the last four as things stand.

However, a few of the teams around them still have a game in hand, and all Os Mambas can do is win their concluding fixture.

Standing in their way is a Nambia side against whom Mozambique have lost each of the last four meetings, including COSAFA Cup ties in 2016 and 2019.

Namibia have been the dark horses of the competition so far, having recorded wins over Senegal and Zimbabwe in their opening two fixtures.

More impressively, the Brave Warriors have conceded once in those encounters, which came in the 17th minute of their curtain-raiser versus Senegal courtesy of Albert Diene.

With one game left to play, Ricardo Mannetti's men are well-placed to progress into the next round and can head into Wednesday's contest with little or no pressure on their back.

Team News

On his return to the starting lineup, Vitinho vindicated his manager's selection by coolly converting from 12 yards to put his side in front.

The 22-year-old attacker will expect to be given another spot in the XI for this one as Mozambique head into what is now a must-win game.

Ricardo Mannetti has named virtually an unchanged squad in consecutive matches with his only alteration coming in the middle of the park where Dynamo Fredericks came in for Alfeus Handura last time out.

Absalom Limbondi scored the winner the last time Wednesday's opponents met, and he will be hoping to come up trumps for his side once again.

Namibia possible starting lineup:
Kazapua; Petrus, Gebhardt, Haoseb, Kamberipa; Handura, Katjiteo, Papama; Limbondi, Kambindu, Stephanus

Mozambique possible starting lineup:
Ernan; Muze, Martinho, Simbane, Cigano; Macaime, Salas, Shaquille; Telinho, Novela, Melito

We say: Namibia 1-1 Mozambique

Mozambique are in the last chance saloon ahead of the contest, as anything less than a win could spell the end of their journey. Namibia are the more in-form team at the moment, but we are backing a share of the spoils in this one.