The Otjozondjupa Region were crowned champions for the 2017 The Namibian Newspaper Cup after beating hosts Erongo 2-1 in a pulsating final match played at a packed Vineta Central Sport Stadium on Monday.
The deciding match came to life on 19 minutes as Otjozondjupa striker Willem Kamesiepo headed home from close range past Moses Shitayi in the Erongo goal to stun the home crowd.
Erongo tried to get back into the contest, but Otjozondjupa’s defence – including goalkeeper Paulus Abel – and marshalled by Mesutuje Ngunovandu, Vetarera Kotjipati, Ikuaterua Hengombe and Hubert Mingeri, remained firm.
In the second half, Otjozondjupa, who received N$30 000 in prize money, extended their lead when Romario Hawiseb expertly dispatched a free kick on 47 minutes.
Anthony Kham, Isaskar Gurirab and Matheus Haihambo combined well for Erongo, and with the introduction of Mbakondja Tjahikika and Veron Sitzer in the second half, the home side intensified the pressure on Otjozondjupa.
Erongo finally got their elusive goal midway through the second half through a Patrick Naweb penalty to set up a gripping finale.
However, Erongo’s recovery was dealt a major blow as Aprocius Petrus was shown a straight red card for dissent by referee Willem Haitembu from the Oshana region.
Otjozondjupa held on and nearly snatched a third amid the barrage of attacks from Erongo.
In the end, Otjozondjupa recorded only their second victory of The Namibian Newspaper Cup, their first coming at home in 2013.
Winning captain and box to box midfielder Michael Kamuserandu received the man of the match prize that came with N$500 and a trophy.
Hardap takes third place
Brendon Kotungondo scored the only goal of the match to propel the Hardap region to a third-place finish with a 1-0 win over Khomas.
Hardap star man Johannes Hollombach walked away with the man of the match award. The team got N$10 000 and bronze medals, while Khomas received N$5 000 for their effort.
Oshana were awarded the fair play prize (N$3 000) for their discipline on the pitch during the tournament.
Willem Haitembu was selected as the best referee (N$1 500).
Paulus Abel from Otjozondjupa walked away with the goalkeeper of the tournament award (N$1 500); Michael Kamuserandu from Otjozondjupa top scored with five goals (N$2 000) and Lubeni Haukongo from Erongo was voted player of the competition (N$2 000).
Altogether, 75 goals were scored by the 14 regions in 22 matches, while the two exhibition matches provided nine goals.
The Katima Sports Complex at Katima Mulilo, Zambezi region is the next venue for the 2018 The Namibian Newspaper Cup.
