Omusati won the Namibian Newspaper Cup trophy for the first time after beating Oshikoto 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Monday.
Oshikoto took the lead in the first half after a goal by Desmond Kharigub, but Christopher Johannes equalised for Omusati after the break.
The match went into extra time and although Oshikoto were reduced to nine men after having two players sent off for fouls, they did most of the attacking but could not score.
The match had to be decided on penalties and Oshikoto seemed to be heading for the title when they took a 3-1 lead. They however missed two penalty attempts, allowing Omusati to come back and grab the title after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot out win.
Omusati received N$30 000 and the winning trophy while Oshikoto received N$15 000.
The match started off in driving rain at the Outjo Sport Stadium and initially there were few chances of note.
Omusati had the first chance with a shot from a corner but Oshikoto defender Leonald Fillemon cleared the ball off the line with their goalie Calvin Spiegel well beaten.
Oshikoto striker Desmond Kharigub put in some strong attacks but was regularly caught offside by Omusati’s defence. His persistence however paid off towards the end of the first half when he tapped in a loose ball after Omusati’s keeper Johannes Kapweya misjudged the bounce of the ball.
There was drama at the start of the second half when Kharigub put the ball into the net but the referee disallowed it due to a foul on an Omusati defender.
Omusati gradually got back into the game and after missing an opportunity when Spiegel couldn’t control a shot and spilled the ball, Christopher Johannes scored their equaliser from a corner midway through the second half.
The match swung Omusati’s way when Oshikoto striker Desmond Kharigub was red-carded for kicking out after a tackle by Joel Vaeta, but despite being a man down, Oshikoto continued to do most of the attacking.
A dipping, curling freekick by Brendan Gaeb was tipped over the bar, while Ronaldo Gaoab missed a great chance when he rounded the keeper but could not control his shot.
The match went into extra time and more drama was to follow as Oshikoto were reduced to nine men when Rhonney Hangala was sent off for a dangerous tackle.
Despite being two men down, Oshikoto kept on attacking with Innocent Khaiseb caught offside a few times, while Ronaldo Gaoab missed a great chance when he broke through on goal but passed the ball when he only had Kapweya to beat.
Omusati did not create many chances, mostly playing long balls and shooting from afar and Oshikoto nearly scored the winner in the final minute, but Innocent Khaiseb missed a sitter with only the keeper to beat.
The match went into penalties and Oshikoto took a 3-1 lead after an early miss by Christopher Johannes.
But Oshikoto failed to hold their nerve and Omusati made a dramatic comeback to win the shootout 4-3 after Kapweya saved Paulus Elago’s shot and Leonald Fillemon hit the upright.
There were scenes of wild delight as Omusati’s players, staff and fans celebrated their first victory in the Namibian Newspaper Cup.
Earlier, Kavango East beat Oshana 3-2 to win the third place play-off.
On Sunday, the Namibian Women’s U-23 team beat the Brave Gladiators 3-1 in a women’s exhibition match. Thomalina Adams scored a brace and Juliana Blou one goal for the U-23’s while Anouschka Kordom scored a late consolation goal for the Brave Gladiators.
The exhibition match between the Namibian and the Weekender select sides, featuring the top players of the tournament, ended in a goalless draw.
Player of the tournament – Daniel Kamanya (Omusati
Referee of the tournament – Nehemia Shovaleka
Fair play award – Kavango East
Keeper of the tournament – Johannes Kapweya (Omusati)
Top scorer of the tournament – Desmond Kharigub (Oshikoto)
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