Namibia u18 win series in thrilling style

NAMIBIA u18 won the Schools Hockey Test Series with a thrilling 3-2 victory against Zimbabwe u18 on Saturday evening.

The match seemed to be heading for a draw when Cody van der Merwe pounced onto a rebound to score the winning goal with about three seconds remaining.

Namibia did most of the early attacking but Zimbabwe’s defence stood firm, with goalkeeper Charles Phiri pulling off some fine saves.

Damien Schutz finally broke the deadlock five minutes before halftime when he deflected a shot by Dakota Hansen into the net from a short corner.

Namibia went 2-0 ahead early in the second half through a Liam Hermanus short corner, but Zimbabwe came back strongly with Tatenda Kanyangarara opening their account five minutes later.

With three minutes to go, Zimbabwe drew level when Greg Sprake scored from a short corner, but Namibia had the final say when Hermanus centered the ball into the box, the goalie blocked it, and Van der Merwe pounced to put the rebound into the net.

It was a sensational victory which preserved Namibia u18’s unbeaten status and saw them winning the series title.

Namibia u16 missed a great opportunity to finish second overall when they were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe u16. A victory would have seen them finishing above Zimbabwe u18 on goal difference, but Zimbabwe u16 managed to hold them to a goalless draw.

In the final stages Zimbabwe had numerous players sent off for fouls, but they defended heroically and managed to keep Namibia at bay till the final whistle.

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