The 2026 World Cup qualifiers continue to be a tough road for São Tomé and Príncipe. They faced Namibia on Tuesday and suffered another loss, falling 3-0. This result means they still haven’t earned a single point in the African qualification rounds. It was the eighth game of Group H, and the island nation found themselves outmatched once more.
Namibia played their home match in Francistown, Botswana, a venue they’ve had to use. The biggest highlight of the game came from Namibia’s captain, Peter Shalulile. He was absolutely on fire, scoring all three goals for his team. A hat-trick like that truly sets a player apart in a crucial qualifier.
Shalulile, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns under coach Miguel Cardoso, got things started in the first half. He found the back of the net at the 41-minute mark. He didn’t stop there, adding two more goals in the second half, at 66 and 71 minutes. His performance gave Namibia a clear and decisive victory.
This loss leaves São Tomé and Príncipe at the bottom of Group H. They sit in sixth and last place, still searching for their first point. They have two more home games left. They will host Tunisia, who has already secured qualification, on November 8. Then, on November 11, they’ll play Malawi.
For Namibia, this win was a big deal. It keeps their hopes alive for finishing second in Group H. That second-place spot could lead to a play-off round. The four best second-placed teams get a shot at a final intercontinental elimination match.
Looking at the Group H standings, Tunisia is way out in front with 22 points. That’s a seven-point lead over Namibia. Namibia now has 15 points. They hold a four-point advantage over Liberia and are five points ahead of both Malawi and Equatorial Guinea. The race for that second spot is definitely heating up.