WINDHOEK, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Namibia is set to host Zambia in a 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) football qualifier clash on Sept. 8 in Windhoek at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
Namibia coach Ricardo Mannetti said in a statement on Wednesday that his star striker Peter Shalulile is still nursing an ankle injury and is likely to miss the clash.
"We will take this game seriously and we remain focused, but our plans might be derailed as Shalulile is still a doubt and might not be back on time for that match," Mannetti added.
Mannetti said he has been working with local-based players for the past weeks ahead of the Zambia clash and indicated that he is content with the feedback from the team so far.
"The boys are really pushing themselves hard and they understand that a place in the AFCON qualifiers team is on the line and they are putting in their best as expected," he added.
Namibia's first test will be against Zambia followed by the away and home matches against Mozambique between October 8 to 16 and between November 12 to 20 Namibia will host Guinea.
Currently, Mozambique heads up Group K with three points, with Guinea also on three in second place, followed by Namibia and Zambia on zero points after losing their opening games.
The Group winner and runner-up will qualify for the 2019 AFCON. The 2019 AFCON finals will be hosted by Cameroon in June and July 2019.
