Namibia might not play the upcoming World Cup qualifers

Namibia might pull out of the World Cup qualifiers unless Fifa inspectors pass fit the only available stadium.

The Independence Stadium in Windhoek was declared unfit to host the matches by a Fifa inspection team last year.

Nambia FA general secretary Barry Rukaro says they might not be able to afford the costs of playing abroad.

"Apart from losing home advantage, we are not sure if we can afford to play in a neighbouring country, which is expensive," Rukaro said.

"We are working with Fifa and the Namibia government to solve the problem but we are not hopeful," he added.

The reasons for declaring the Independence Stadium unfit for the qualifiers were not made public.

The recently built Sam Nujoma Stadium on the outskirts of the city is having an artificial pitch installed and is out of commission for several months.

It leaves Namibia facing the prospect of playing their Group Two home matches against Zimbabwe on 31 May and Guinea on 14 June on neutral territory.

The move also threatens the Braves Warriors' hopes of making their third appearance at the African Cup of Nations after playing in January's tournament in Ghana.

That is because results of the qualifying matches will also serve as qualification for the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola.

Namibia are one of several African countries under similar threat unless last minute improvements of safety and security are made.

Fifa will make a final check on 7 May, Rukaro confirmed.

Also under threat of losing the right to host upcoming World Cup qualifiers are Benin, Congo, the DR Congo, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Mali, Sierra Leone and Zambia, as Fifa clamps down on tatty facilities across the continent.