Tsumeb
Hotshot striker Seveleni Esindo netted the only goal of the match to propel the defending champions, Omusati Region, to victory over hosts Oshikoto in the second edition of the annual Skorpion Zinc Cup in Tsumeb last weekend.
Having to come through a tough ride to the final that saw them losing 5-1 against Khomas in the group stages, Omusati managed to claw their way into contention and reached the final. Esindo returned the compliment in the 15th minute with a textbook strike to ensure the trophy remains in the Omusati Region.
Omusati qualified for the knockout stage after finishing as best runner-up in the group stages to set up a date with Kavango West in the semifinals on Sunday morning. A goal apiece from Joel Manya, Menas Shiyuka and Isak Shiwengda steered the defending champions to a well-deserved 3-2 win over a stubborn Kavango West.
In the other semifinal, Khomas reached the semis courtesy of four wins out of four in Group A and were clear favorites to win their clash against hosts Oshikoto, who won Group C, but the boys from the city of bright lights were held in their tracks as Oshikoto maximised home-ground advantage to book a berth in the final, thanks to two first-half goals via the boots of Paulus Paulus and Rhoney Hangala.
In the third-place playoff, Khomas got the better of Kavango West, coming out tops with a 4-0 triumph through goals from Jay Jay Kordom, Dawid Morgan and a brace by Frans Beukes.
In the individual awards, Omaheke Region’s Augustinus Hobexab walked away with the prestigious Golden Boot award with six goals, and was also chosen as the most outstanding player of the tournament. An astonishing total of 70 goals were scored during the three-day Under-17 development tourney.
Sebron Sheelongo of Oshikoto Region was deservedly rewarded with the Golden Gloves award, with Khomas referee Willem Haitembu chosen as Best Match Official, while players from the Erongo Region received the Fair Play award, having accumulated the least number of cautions during the competition.