A hunger for success was central to Omusati Region claiming a historic first ever The Namibian Newspaper Cup title when they recorded a 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over nine-man Oshikoto at the Outjo Sports Stadium on Monday.
Following a 1-1 draw after extra time, Omusati’s players held their nerve to emerge victorious over an Oshikoto side who went into the match as favourites.
“It’s a great feeling to win this tournament. It is through effort and commitment that we won. The players really wanted to win this title. The motivation came from the players who won’t be able to play next year. They really pushed us,” a beaming Omusati coach Nakalando Shipena told reporters after the match.
Shipena, who also led Omusati to the Skorpion Zinc Under-17 title last year, believes his team were worthy winners even though there were doubts about their chances heading into the tournament.
“The preparations were not good. We didn’t prepare much due to players having exams and some are even writing tomorrow. I was concerned about their fitness because it is tough to play in this tournament. But we did it due to our high motivation,” the 32 year-old said.
His side had the better of the opening half exchanges, forcing Oshikoto on the back-foot as they launched attack after attack.
However, they were made to rue their inability to make the most of their opportunities as the tournament’s top scorer Desmond Kharigub pounced on a goalkeeping error by Kapweya Johannes to roll the ball into an empty net just before halftime.
The goal swung the momentum in Oshikoto’s favour as they came out stronger in the second-half.
Kharigub had two further chances to extend his side’s lead but rushed his shots wide of the target on both occasions when through on goal.
Omusati equalised midway through the second half, when defender Christopher Johannes thumped home after Oshikoto failed to clear their line from a corner kick.
Shortly after, Kharigub went from hero to villain when he was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Omusati defender Joel Vaeta.
That moment of madness turned the match in Omusati’s favour once more as they went in search of the winner but Oshikoto held firm to force the match into extra time.
Oshikoto were reduced to nine players early in the first period of extra time after defender Tate Tangi Gabriel picked up a second yellow card for a reckless challenge.
Despite their significant numerical disadvantage, Oshikoto gave as good as they got and could have won it with the last kick of the match but winger Innocent Khaiseb skied his effort over the crossbar with an empty net gaping. With neither side able to find the winning goal, the match headed to penalties.
After missing their opening spot-kick, Omusati converted the remaining four, while Oshikoto were successful with their first three but missed their last two.
“I kept telling my players not to rush. The boys never lost faith and kept the fighting spirit. We look forward to defending this title next year,” said Shipena.
Meanwhile player of the tournament and Omusati captain Daniel Kamanya said they were delighted to have delivered on their promise.
Kamanya also won the best player award at last year’s Skorpion Zinc competition.
“We promised the people back home that we will win and we kept our promise,” said the 16-year-old attacker.
Player of the tournament – Daniel Kamanya
Referee of the tournament – Nehemia Shovaleka
Fair play award – Kavango East
Keeper of the tournament – Johannes Kapweya
Top scorer of the tournament – Desmond Kharigub
