This past weekend, the Nau-Aib Stadium in Okahandja buzzed with excitement as four teams battled it out in a pre-season friendly that tested each squad’s form and determination ahead of the new season. The tournament featured African Stars, Okahandja United, Young African, and FC Ongos in a series of games that delivered edge-of-the-seat drama, spectacular goals, and penalty shootout thrills.
Game 1: Young African Edges FC Ongos
The opening match kicked off with FC Ongos taking on Young African. Both teams looked to make an early statement, but it was Young African that managed to break through the defense and notch the only goal of the game, securing a 1-0 win. With this result, Young African advanced to the final, while FC Ongos was left to contend in the third-place playoff.
Game 2: African Stars vs. Okahandja United
The second game featured African Stars against Okahandja United and did not disappoint. The match began with a strong start from Okahandja United, whose striker Okeri found the net in the 15th minute, putting his team ahead with an early advantage. But African Stars were determined not to let that early lead deter them.
In the 36th minute, Deon Dennis Tjizumaue delivered a crucial equalizer, brilliantly assisted by Laudry Mukaba. Just two minutes later, Mukaba struck again, this time as the scorer, netting what would be the decisive goal for African Stars. With the match ending 2-1 in favor of African Stars, they earned a ticket to the final to face Young African, while Okahandja United was set to face FC Ongos in the third-place playoff.
3rd Place Playoff: Okahandja United Clinches 3rd Place in Penalty Shootout
The third-place playoff between Okahandja United and FC Ongos was an intense affair. After a tightly contested match, the score stood at 1-1 at the end of regular time, leading the game to a penalty shootout. Okahandja United displayed nerves of steel and precision, sweeping the penalties with a flawless 4-0 victory, securing a respectable third place in the tournament.
The Final: African Stars Triumph Over Young African in Penalty Thriller
The grand finale pitted African Stars against Young African in what turned out to be a nail-biting showdown. African Stars took an early lead in the 30th minute with a goal from //Gaseb, but Young African responded quickly, with Sipiwe leveling the score just six minutes later. The remainder of regular time saw both teams pushing for a winning goal, but neither could break the deadlock, and the match ended 1-1.
With the title on the line, the game moved to a penalty shootout. African Stars held their composure, scoring four goals to Young African’s two, ultimately clinching the tournament win with a 4-2 victory in penalties.
African Stars VS Young African Penalty Shootout (African Stars 4-2 Young African)
Tournament Recap
This pre-season tournament proved to be an exhilarating preview of what fans can expect in the upcoming season. African Stars showed resilience and teamwork to overcome strong competition, especially in their comeback against Okahandja United and their poise in the high-stakes final against Young African. With players like Laudry Mukaba and Deon Dennis Tjizumaue stepping up at critical moments, African Stars look well-prepared to embark on a promising season.
Post tournament interview with African Stars Head Coach Ronny Kanalelo
Final Standings:
Champions: African Stars 🏆
Runners-Up: Young African
3rd Place: Okahandja United
4th Place: FC Ongos
As the teams regroup and prepare for the new season, this tournament was a fantastic showcase of Namibian football talent and spirit. Congratulations to African Stars for their well-deserved victory, and a huge thank you to all teams for a weekend of memorable football!
Comments