Derby County’s Ryan Nyambe was unable to help Namibia avoid defeat in their second 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group fixture on Sunday evening.
After overcoming Tunisia in their Group E opener on Tuesday, claiming a late 1-0 win, Namibia were beaten 4-0 by South Africa at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.
Themba Zwane scored twice in 16 first-half minutes for South Africa, who led 3-0 at half-time.
Percy Tau opened the scoring with an early penalty before Zwane met a cross with a powerful finish and clipped in his second after a fine run into the box. Substitute Thapelo Maseko made it four 15 minutes from time to round off the scoring.
Nyambe was named in the starting line-up for the second game in a row and played 73 minutes before being replaced.
Next up for Namibia is a meeting with Group E leaders Mali in their final group stage fixture on 24th January as they bid to reach the knockout stages.
A win will see them through to the next stage of the competition, but a defeat could seem them finish bottom of the group and eliminated.
Defender Nyambe now has 16 caps for his country following his international debut in 2019.
The right-back has made 16 appearances for Derby since signing as a free agent in September and recently penned a new deal until the summer of 2025.
Namibia Fixtures
Namibia Vs Mali (AFCON Group E)
24th January 2024
Kick-off: 5pm
Stade de San Pedro
