Gladiators clinch silver

NAMIBIA won the silver medal when they went down 1-3 to South Africa in the final of the Cosafa women’s football tournament at the Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday.

The Brave Gladiators at one stage took the lead in the match but they allowed South Africa to claw their way back into the game and retain their title. Although they had to settle for a silver medal in the end, the gallant Namibians should feel proud for producing a remarkable performance at the tournament.According to reports from Zambia, skipper Portia Modise was the hero for South Africa when she scored a brace after missing a penalty in the 31st minute.Rita Williams had put Namibia ahead in the 19th minute after she capitalised on poor defending by their opponents.She went clear past the static defenders to slot the ball home.With Memory Makhanye dictating the terms in midfield, South Africa began to take control of proceedings.And they were duly awarded a penalty in the 37th minute after Williams had handled in the box.Zimbabwean referee Maphosa Sibindi awarded Banyana Banyana a penalty but Modise directed the ball into the hands of Namibian goalkeeper Eisa Bonitha.But the enterprising striker, who mesmerised all with her technique, made up for her miss when she clinically nodded in Veronica Phewa’s cross two minutes later to level the scores.South Africa, who crushed Lesotho 9-0 in the group stage, went 2-1 up in the 38th minute when Kylie-Ann Louw ventured from defence into attack to unleash a fierce shot into the net.Banyana Banyana, who were technically superior, sealed the victory when Modise beat a number of defenders before slotting into the near-post in the 49th minute.Namibia coach, Gabriel Freyer, was not disappointed with his team’s performance.He said they lacked the experience to beat South Africa.South African coach Augustine Makalakalane was elated after the match, saying it would have been a big disappointment if they had failed to retain their title.In the playoff match, Zambia beat Zimbabwe 2-1 to win the bronze medal.The Namibian team had a disastrous tournament during the Zone Six Youth games, which took place in Namibia in June and July.The team started playing as a unit at the Zone Six tournament and their confidence was growing by the day as they were preparing for the Cosafa matches.Zambian newspapers and own reporterAlthough they had to settle for a silver medal in the end, the gallant Namibians should feel proud for producing a remarkable performance at the tournament.According to reports from Zambia, skipper Portia Modise was the hero for South Africa when she scored a brace after missing a penalty in the 31st minute.Rita Williams had put Namibia ahead in the 19th minute after she capitalised on poor defending by their opponents.She went clear past the static defenders to slot the ball home.With Memory Makhanye dictating the terms in midfield, South Africa began to take control of proceedings.And they were duly awarded a penalty in the 37th minute after Williams had handled in the box.Zimbabwean referee Maphosa Sibindi awarded Banyana Banyana a penalty but Modise directed the ball into the hands of Namibian goalkeeper Eisa Bonitha.But the enterprising striker, who mesmerised all with her technique, made up for her miss when she clinically nodded in Veronica Phewa’s cross two minutes later to level the scores.South Africa, who crushed Lesotho 9-0 in the group stage, went 2-1 up in the 38th minute when Kylie-Ann Louw ventured from defence into attack to unleash a fierce shot into the net.Banyana Banyana, who were technically superior, sealed the victory when Modise beat a number of defenders before slotting into the near-post in the 49th minute.Namibia coach, Gabriel Freyer, was not disappointed with his team’s performance.He said they lacked the experience to beat South Africa.South African coach Augustine Makalakalane was elated after the match, saying it would have been a big disappointment if they had failed to retain their title.In the playoff match, Zambia beat Zimbabwe 2-1 to win the bronze medal.The Namibian team had a disastrous tournament during the Zone Six Youth games, which took place in Namibia in June and July.The team started playing as a unit at the Zone Six tournament and their confidence was growing by the day as they were preparing for the Cosafa matches.Zambian newspapers and own reporter