Zimbabwe beat Namibia 3-2 in friendly

HARARE, Nov 16 (Reuters) Zimbabwe held off a late onslaught from visitors Namibia to win their friendly international 3-2 at the Rufaro stadium in Harare.

Zimbabwe, whose captain Benjani Mwaruwari of Portsmouth pulled out of the squad on the eve of the fixture, were two goals up inside the first 20 minutes yesterday with goals from Chinese-based striker Gilbert Mushangazhike and Evans Gwekwerere, who plays in South Africa.

Namibia's first goal came in the 36th minute through Victor Helu, who tapped in from close range.

Clement Matawu added a third goal for Zimbabwe five minutes into the second half but Namibia pulled one back two minutes later when Costa Khaiseb converted a penalty.

Both teams were using the match as preparation for next March's resumption of the 2008 African Nations Cup qualifying campaign.

Reuters PM GC1330