Omaheke makes it a triple

OMAHEKE yesterday won The Namibian Newspaper Cup for a record third time after they beat Khomas in a captivating final match in front of about 8 000 people at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

Omaheke’s main hitman Roger ‘Adebayor’ Kumbee was responsible for the downfall of Khomas, who were also seeking their third title,after he netted both goals in the first half.In fact, Omaheke opened the scoring through the boot of under-17 national team and Orlando Pirates striker Sidney Urikhob, who broke clear to bury a beauty in the lower corner to send the Khomas spectators into raptures.Urikhob’s goal in the 18th minute came via great interplay between him and his midfielders, but Kumbee had different intentions as the match drifted on.Kumbee equalised in the 30th minute to the delight of the Omaheke supporters who came in numbers to back their team at the modern Astroturf facility.His first goal was a great close-range strike that left Khomas goalie Edward Akwaake with no choice but to look on in awe as the ball hit the back of the net.His second came after a lapse of concentration by the Khomas defenders as he picked up a loose ball only to be faced with Akwaake.He made no mistake and clinically slotted it into the net like his idol and look-alike Emmanuel Adebayor of Arsenal. The team celebrated in style at the corner flag.The first half belonged to both teams as the midfielders made their presence felt in midfield, while the strikers tried their luck at goal.In defence, both teams stood tall, while the young goalkeepers were alert and showed great confidence.CHANCES ASTRAY Chances that went astray in the first half for Khomas came from their frontmen Papi Kavezembi and Eslin Kamuhanga, while Wallace Mosiane and Robinson Iyambo showed good skill in midfield.Omaheke’s Hawand Windstaan had a chance which went wide, while Ikuaterua Tjozongoro, who was supposed to cause all the havoc, did not produce much spark.The second half was a to and fro affair, with most of the drama in midfield, while balls meant for strikers were kept out by the defenders. Once again, Kamuhanga, who also plays for the under-17 national side and strikes for premiership side Civics, tried to make the runs but to no avail.Omaheke can thank their hard-working defender Gustav Tjituka, who is also the captain, and Erling Tjituka, who kept it clean at the back.Khomas tried pushing for an equaliser in the dying minutes of the game, but they left it too late.In fact, Khomas were compensated in a different form as Kamuhanga was voted the Player of the Series, while Edward Akwaake took the Goalkeeper of the Series award.Khomas also received the Fair Play award, considering their fewer cautions and red cards at the event.Kumbee ended as the best striker with seven goals and walked away with that trophy, while the Match Official of the Series was Jonas Katanga. Look out for a full supplement on the event tomorrow.corry@namibian.com.na