Action galore at rainy Keetmans

The opening day of the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup 2026 at Westdene Stadium, Keetmanshoop did not disappoint, with all four groups entertaining fans with plenty of action.

Group A saw last year’s quarterfinalists Otjozondjupa take on Omaheke, with Otjozondjupa securing a comfortable 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Naithen Damaseb, who also walked away with the Man of the Match award. However, in their second game, Otjozondjupa suffered a 1-0 defeat to Omaheke, with the goal scored by Vapukisa Tjonga, while Hangero Uetuesa scooped the Man of the Match award.

In their opening match, Omaheke faced last year’s quarterfinalists Kavango East in a tightly contested game that ended 1-1. Vapukisa Tjonga scored for Omaheke, while Gelasius Muyenga found the net for Kavango East, with Tjonga named Man of the Match. With one game left to play, Omaheke leads the group with four points, but all teams still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals.

Group B produced the biggest victory of the day, as Oshikoto thrashed Ohangwena 4-1 in their opening match. Josua Nghipandwa scored a brace, while Nalushiya Micheal and Festus Trofinus added a goal each. Nekundu Fillemon scored the consolation for Ohangwena, with Nghipandwa named Man of the Match.

In their second game, Oshikoto faced hosts //Kharas, who had strong home support, but Oshikoto edged a narrow 1-0 win to book their place in the quarterfinals, with captain Adriano Gawab named Man of the Match. //Kharas had earlier defeated Kavango West 2-1, with goals from Kandingua Tuundjakuje and Johan Kooper, while Joseph Sikutu scored for Kavango West. Tuundjakuje was named Player of the Match.

The final game of the day between Kavango West and Ohangwena will resume on Saturday after it was called off due to poor light at the second field at Westdene Stadium. The match was 0-0 at halftime and will continue at 08h00. All three remaining teams are still fighting for the final quarterfinal spot.

Group C featured only three teams, and two have already booked their places in the quarterfinals on the opening day. Last year’s bronze medalists Oshana Region became the first team to exit the competition after suffering narrow 1-0 defeats to both Erongo and Khomas. Erongo and Khomas will face each other in the final group match, with only the top spot at stake.

Group D also has three teams, with defending champions Kunene aiming to retain their title. The opening match saw Zambezi and Omusati play to a 1-1 draw, with Mutanga Simasiku scoring for Zambezi and Shiyagaya Ephat netting for Omusati. Martin Shililifa was named Player of the Match. Kunene then opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Omusati with Leonard Nghindimbwa being named the man of the match.

It was a great day of football with a strong turnout of supporters. Although rain caused some disruption, especially for food vendors, conditions improved later and the event continued smoothly.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.