WINDHOEK, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's national football team coach Ricardo Mannetti's plans have been dealt a blow by the unavailability of prolific midfielder Wangu Gome for his side's make-or-break African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group K qualifier against Guinea-Bissau here on Saturday.
Namibia will face the west Africans needing a win to be within touching distance of qualification for the 2019 AFCON in Cameroon, while a loss will leave them with their work cut out in the last round of qualifiers.
A statement on the Namibia Football Association (NFA) website also indicates that influential South Africa-based midfielder Deon Hotto is also doubtful for the match.
"Wangu Gome will not be available for the game vs Bissau, due to a persistent knee injury that has troubled him in recent months. The medical teams have worked really hard to ensure he plays, but it's not looking good," said Mannetti in a statement on Sunday.
Gome's injury kept him out of domestic action this weekend for his club side Umoya FC.
Mannetti also revealed news about Hotto's injury. "Deon picked up a hamstring injury and we will assess him this week in training and make a decision during the week."