World Cup (Q): Shalulile hat-trick leads Namibia past São Tomé and Príncipe

Talismanic striker Peter Shalulile was in peak form on Tuesday as Namibia strengthened their hold on second place with a 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Group H minnows São Tomé and Príncipe in Botswana.

São Tomé, still searching for the first point of their qualifying campaign, looked capable in the early exchanges and posed some danger to the Namibian goal. However, the Brave Warriors gradually seized control of the match and Shalulile’s finishing made the difference.

The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute. A pass attempt from Dawid Ndeunyema took a generous deflection and Shalulile pounced to get behind the defense and fire in the opener.

Namibia proceeded to dominate the second half and their veteran stars took over. Fullback Riaan Hanamub’s excellent 66th minute cross bounced towards the far post and Shalulile arrived to fire in the second goal with a first-time finish. Five minutes later, Deon Hotto’s excellent work down the right wing ended with the Orlando Pirates winger setting up Shalulile to complete his hat-trick.

Tuesday’s victory saw Namibia extend their lead to four points for the runner-up position in Group H. Tunisia clinched top spot and qualification for the World Cup on Monday with a dramatic victory at Equatorial Guinea while Malawi’s comeback 2-2 draw against Liberia also helped Namibia’s cause.

Namibia needed some cushion. The Brave Warriors will finish their Group H fixtures in October with two difficult road tests, facing Liberia first before traveling to take on group winners 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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