The highly anticipated test match between Namibia and Portugal lived up to the hype, but the home side was unable to capitalize on an early lead, eventually losing 37-22 to the visitors at a packed Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium on Saturday.

Namibia opened the scoring with a penalty through flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel after just four minutes on the clock. Another penalty goal extended their lead, but Portugal rallied to secure a 37-22 victory.

Despite the win, Portugal captain and inside center Tomas Appleton acknowledged that his team needs to improve significantly for their upcoming clash against World Champions South Africa. Appleton cited the weather conditions as a contributing factor to their slow start.

Namibia flanker Max Katjijeko, who plays for Rugby Football Club Los Angeles in the United States, praised his teammates for an improved performance compared to their previous defeat against the Vodacom Blue Bulls. He expressed his ambition to earn more caps for the national team.

Analysts Henry Kandjou and Dirk Human attributed Namibia's loss to a lack of concentration during the match.

Yesterday's match marked Namibia's return to international test rugby on home soil since their 53-28 victory over Kenya in 2018.