World Cup (Q): Peter Shalulile-led Namibia suffer injury setback

Injured Namibian defender Sergio Damaseb has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Liberia on Thursday. The absence of the right-back is a setback for Peter Shalulile-led Brave Warriors.

The Mighty Gunners FC’s wingback had solid games when Namibia faced Malawi and São Tomé Príncipe last month. The Flames won 2-1 before the Namibians bounced back to beat São Tomé Príncipe 3-0 with Shalulile scoring a hat-trick. The 25-year-old has only made four appearances for Namibia.

𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐮𝐩🇳🇦

São Tomé e Principe
⏰ 15:00
📆 09 September
🏟️ Obed Ithani Chilume,Francistown #BraveNation #anationsdream #awarriorsjourney pic.twitter.com/i9ddGQj0C5

— NFA (@Official_NFA) September 9, 2025

The Namibia Football Association confirmed that Damaseb has not made the trip to the West African country for the Group H game.

Does Namibia coach Collin Benjamin have enough options?

Overall, coach Collin Benjamin has enough talent at his disposal in his 24-member travelling party to Monrovia, including star striker Shalulile who will lead the attack.

Apart from the Mamelodi Sundowns player, Namibia’ squad comprises other South Africa-based players Bethuel Muzeu of Black Leopards, Orlando Pirates Deon Hotto, Riaan Hanamub for AmaZulu FC, Kennedy Eib (Highbury FC) and Golden Arrows’ Edward Maova.

The Brave Warriors wind up the group’s assignment with a game against already qualified Tunisia on Monday. Collin Benjamin’s team has a remote chance of sneaking through to the World Cup via play-offs.

The Brave Warriors will depart today for Liberia from where they will proceed to Tunisia. Benjamin’s men sit in second place, seven points behind Tunisia..

Group H Table (8 of 10 matches played)

1. Tunisia- 22 points

2. Namibia- 15 points

3. Liberia- 11 points

4. Malawi- 10 points

5. Equatorial Guinea- 10 points

6. São Tomé and Príncipe- 0 points

Tunisia have qualified for the 2026 World Cup as Group H winners. The group runner-up can still qualify for the qualification playoff for the African region.

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