Amukoto’s goal sinks Ethiopia

The Brave Gladiators defeated Ethiopia 1-0 in an international friendly played on Sunday afternoon at the Sam Nujoma Stadium with Twelikondjela Amukoto scoring on two minutes to hand the hosts the much-needed victory.

The Gladiators, preparing for the 2014 CAF African Women Championship (AWC), got off to a flying start as Namibia won an early corner and Amukoto steered a rebound from her header into the net.

Namibia had other other chances they failed to capitalise on with the enterprising Zenatha Coleman and Lovisa Mulunga coming close.

Ethiopia however dominated ball possession and impressed with their short passes but they could not not get through the impregnable Namibia defence, well marshalled by goalkeeper Suzanna Eises, who pulled of three important saves in the second held.

Jackey Gertze of the NFA Women desk called on the team to continue pushing hard and being self-disciplined as they left camp on Monday morning.

“They have left the camp now as some had to go write exams, but they will report back for camp on 10 April as we prepare to host the Westphalia Under-18 women’s team in three friendly matches in Windhoek and Walvis Bay. We urge the girls to remain competitive and jog when they get time to remain fit and active,” she said.

“They have to raise their training levels, because we are not expecting them just to make up the numbers and to be one of those hosts that just play for the sake of hosting, but to go as far as possible at home,” she added.

Gertze said the NFA is convinced the team can be great and are using all the resources and time at their disposal to make the team stronger and better.

“We believe we have the best players in the land for this team and it is our time to shine and playing at home, we must leave a huge mark on Africa. We have the necessary support from the NFA and government and we are planning for success,” Gertze said.

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