Namibia fall to Kazakhstan in FIFA Series clash

Namibia’s first game against a UEFA member country ended in a loss. Kazakhstan defeated Namibia 2-0 in a FIFA Series Group 4 game played at Astana Arena. The home side was the better of the two for the larger part of the encounter, as the Brave Warriors struggled.

Second goal against Namibia 🇳🇦

⚽ 79’ Kassym #BizdinJigitter💙💛 | #FIFASeries2026 | #KazakhstanNamibia pic.twitter.com/vTwyrEwx8x

— Kazakhstan Football Federation (@KFF_Team) March 25, 2026

Namibia coach Collin Benjamin opted for five midfielders as he planned to stifle the home side’s attack. The plan worked well in the opening ten minutes, as the visitors almost scored the opening goal of the match. Bethuel Muzeu rounded Kazakh goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov, but his strike from a tight angle rattled the far-right post.

Kazakhstan took the lead in the 12th minute with a left-footed strike from their left back, Yan Vorogovskiy, after a failed clearance by the Namibian defense. The visitors failed to make a meaningful attempt on goal during the half, and an isolated Hans Muyeka failed to receive service after playing the half as a lone striker.

Following the recess, the home side continued their dominance. Substitute Aibol Abiken hit the crossbar before Ben Namib tested the Kazakh defense with a well-placed strike. Strong defending in the half from the African side could not save them from conceding a second goal, as Alibek Kassym headed home from close range ten minutes before time to give Kazakhstan a 2-0 win.

Kazakhstan leads the group with three points. Namibia will face Comoros on Saturday, March 28, in their final FIFA Series group match. The Brave Warriors are winless in their last five matches in all competitions.