WINDHOEK – Brave Gladiators’ dauntless performance in their 2-0 defeat against African giants Nigeria on Friday was no fluke, but a hard fought battle and an effort of team spirit, best embodied by the indelible display of Namibia’s bright star, Zenatha Coleman.
Although the defeat saw hosts Namibia bowing out of the TN Mobile 9th African Women’s Championship, the Gladiators bade farewell in grand style and left lasting memories in the minds of all, while their overall performance also left a huge footprint on the African women football stage.
The Namibian girls, who mostly are in their early 20’s, went into the competition with nobody giving them a chance. Despite being just the host country, many across Africa and the world at large appeared convinced that they would fail even to win a single match at the women’s football spectacle but they beat Zambia 2-0 in their opening match before losing 3-1 to Ivory Coast.
Nigeria, multiple winners of the African women’s championship, are a better side than Namibia and obviously deserve a place in Wednesday’s semifinal, but for the Gladiators the tournament was just the beginning of a new era for Namibian women’s football.
First half goals from Gloria Ofoegbu and Francisca Ordega were enough to send the tournament’s top favourites through, in a thrilling clash at the packed Sam Nujoma Stadium. The victory will also be a great morale booster for Nigeria going into Wednesday’s semifinal clash against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
Ivory Coast also progressed alongside Nigeria after fashioning out a 1-1 draw against Zambia in the other Group-A fixture at the Independence Stadium, also on Friday.
The Ivorians finished on 4 points, five behind Nigeria with Zambia at the bottom with just a point.
Coach Jacqui Shipanga was full of praise for her team’s performance during the championship, which was Namibia’s first appearance at Africa’s flagship women’s football tournament.
“I am so proud of my team for their determination and spirit they showed throughout the tournament. The journey was very memorable to all of us but it ended this way. We all hold our heads high as we move on, and we now look ahead to the 2016 qualifiers,” said Shipanga.