Namibia played to a tight 0-0 draw against South Africa at the Cosafa U20 Championship in Maseru, Lesotho, yesterday – a result that saw their regional rivals advance to the competition’s semi-finals, where they will meet Kenya on Thursday.
Angola will meet Zimbabwe in the other semi-final.
The game started at a slow pace as the rain fell heavily in Maseru, with both teams seemingly content to play for the draw, which was not good enough for the Namibians as they needed a win to advance to the semis.
Jody February was called into action in the 23rd minute when a Namibian free kick from Salom Pamp bounced unkindly in front of him, but he was able to parry the ball away.
In the other half, Tebogo Moerane went on a good run down the left, but his cross was well saved by Namibian keeper Edward Maova.
In the 58th minute, Namibia’s Enrico Hoebeb tried a shot from long range, but it went wide to the right.
In the 69th minute Namibia almost pounced on a defensive error, but the final shot from Hoebeb lacked power and February saved easily.
Namibia pushed for the winner in the last ten minutes, knowing victory would see them qualify ahead of South Africa for the semi-finals, but February’s goal was never threatened, and it was South Africa who had the last few chances.
With two minutes to go Amajita should have wrapped up the result, but Ngubo’s shot from the edge of the area went just wide. Seconds later Ntuli almost had the winner, but Maova made a brilliant reflex save from close range, after some good work from Marasaine down the left in the build-up.
In the other results, Zambia beat the Seychelles 4-0, but the result still meant the defending champions ended third in Group C.
By Staff Reporter