Unam turn on the style against Wanderers

UNAM replaced Wanderers at the top of the Field Hockey Men’s Premier League log after a resounding 4-1 victory on Saturday.

First-half goals by Heini Swartbooi and Erastus Kashungu gave Unam a 2-0 lead at the break before Ronaldo Kapuire and Siabonga Martins sealed their victory. In the closing stages Francois Fuscher scored a consolation goal for Wanderers but by then Unam had sealed their victory. The victory put Unam at the top of the log on 13 points – three points clear of Wanderers, who suffered their first defeat of the season in the process. Unam made their intentions clear that they will not relinquish their league title easily with a fine all round performance against the league’s early pace setters, Wanderers. The match started at a hectic pace with Wanderers doing the early attacking, with Ettienne de Villiers and Riaan Kruger and Billy Beukes putting in strong runs. Unam however were soon in their stride and took the lead after 10 minutes. Unam won a short corner and although Siabonga Martins’ shot was blocked, Heini Swartbooi followed up to stab the loose ball into the net. Unam stepped up the tempo and launched several attacks on Wanderers’ goals. A fine solo run by Martins was thwarted by Wanderers’ keeper, while Swartbooi and Issaskar Tjikuniva both came close to scoring.Unam’s pressure finally paid off on 28m when Joseph Kashamako launched a counterattack and put Erastus Kashungu clear who beat Kruger from close range. Martins turnson the magic Unam piled on the pressure in the second half with captain Siabonga Martins causing havoc down the right wing. On 47m he started an attack from within his own half, beating several defenders before putting Ronaldo Kapuire clear in the box, who scored from close range. Two minutes later Martins went one better when he received the ball on the edge of Wanderers’ box and slammed it high into the net. Wanderers tried desperately to come back with Kruger, Fuscher and Stefan du Preez putting in strong attacks, but they could not break past Unam’s defence, which was well marshalled by Erwin Handura and Haitengi Nghaamwa. At the other end Martins continued to pile on the pressure with his incisive attacks, while Joseph Kashamako and Issaskar Tjikuniva also shone in attack. In the closing stages, Francois Fuscher scored a fine individual goal when he beat several defenders to slam the ball into the net, but by then Unam had already wrapped up the match.On this performance Unam are now once again firm favourites to retain the league title, while Wanderers will have to go back to the drawing board to plot their comeback. UNAM WOMENSHOCK WANDERERS In a women’s Premier League match Unam caused an upset when they beat Wanderers 1-0, with Emmerencia Beukes scoring the only goal of the match.Wanderers’ defeat has paved the way for Windhoek Old Boys to retain their title. They are now four points clear of Wanderers at the top of the log with a game in hand.It was Unam’s first victory of the season and they now move up to third spot, six points off the pace.Unam’s head coach Erwin Handura ascribed their victory to the tactics that they employed in the game.’It was an even match with few chances, but our tactics were better. We closed down Wanderers’ dangerous players, while Julia Lazarus marked Madelyn Lessing out of the game. But for me, the player of the match was our midfielder Judith Anton who launched a lot of attacks down the left flank while she also defended very well,’ he said.- www.namibiasport.com.na