Limba Mupetami
The Brave Gladiators secured a 2-0 victory over the Liechtenstein national women’s football team in a friendly match held at Freizeit Park in Rugell yesterday morning.
Namibia had an early opportunity to take the lead in the 21st minute through Thomalina Adams, but Liechtenstein defender Julia Benneckenstein successfully thwarted the attack. However, a minute later, Namibia earned a corner kick taken by Memory Ngonda.
This set the stage for 19-year-old Utuzuvira Kahiriri to send home a brilliant header, beating the host’s goalkeeper.
In the 36th minute, Ngonda wrapped it up, scoring from a through-pass by Fiola Vliete.
This match followed a 1-1 draw in the teams’ first clash on Thursday, where Twelikondjela Amukoto scored for Namibia. Notably, this was the first time Namibia faced European opposition in an international encounter.
Liechtenstein, relatively new to the international scene with their first match played in 2019, showed resilience.
Team coach Adrienne Krysl acknowledged the strength, speed and aggression of the Namibians, praising their competitive spirit.
As the Gladiators prepare for the upcoming Cosafa Women’s Championship, whose dates are yet to be confirmed, and next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, head coach Woody Jacobs expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance.
“I appreciate the fact that the girls could come and win. We had it in us to beat Liechtenstein. Our quality came through. A special mention to Kahiriri. She is just 19 years old, but she played with a lot of calmness, showing the quality she has. She is one to watch in the future,” he said.
Jacobs also highlighted the impressive debut of Anna Ida Somses, and praised seasoned players like Thomalina Adams, who played in a different position but still showed her class, captain Lovisa Mulunga, Emma Naris, Lydia Nanamus and goalkeeper Melissa Matheus.
“We were not under any threat at the back, but we must also respect Liechtenstein and their goalkeeper. We take a lot from this tournament, and head to Cosafa with the aim to play in the final and win it, emulating the Brave Warriors’ 2015 triumph. This is what we are working towards,” he added.
Jacobs extended gratitude to the Namibia Football Association executive and secretariat for their support. “They are investing, and the fruits of this will not go unnoticed. I hope we can one day invite Liechtenstein to Namibia, and treat them to warm Namibian hospitality,” Jacobs added.
German-based player Veweziwa Kotjipati praised the team’s display. “We executed the game plan well. It was great exposure for everyone. Playing against Europeans is a great chance to measure ourselves, and to see a different style of football.”
Before heading to Switzerland, the team had an intensive match against AmaTuks in Pretoria to boost their match fitness, which they won 4-0. Namibia currently holds the 126th position in the FIFA rankings, while Liechtenstein is among the 11 FIFA member nations yet to be ranked.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na