In a fiercely contested Group A encounter of the Caf Women’s Champions League Cosafa qualifiers, Ongos Ladies FC faced a challenging 3-1 defeat against Zimbabwe’s Herentals Queens at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, Malawi, yesterday.
The match commenced with both teams exhibiting determination and tactical prowess. Early in the first half, Herentals’ forward, Polite Mabika’s strike unfortunately sailed over the crossbar, marking the team’s only clear chance in the initial stages.
The momentum shifted in the 20th minute when the instrumental Maudy Paidamoyo Mafuruse capitalised on a momentary lapse in Ongos’ defence. Spotting goalkeeper Agnes Kauzuu out of position, Mafuruse expertly slotted the ball into the net, drawing first blood for Herentals Queens.
Herentals maintained their attacking impetus, and in the 28th minute, Tumbare Egness seized upon a defensive blunder by the Namibian side. With precision and composure, Egness doubled the lead, leaving Ongos Ladies grappling with a two-goal deficit.
Ongos’ troubles were compounded when their key player, Viola Fliote, endeavoured to rally her team back into contention but suffered a knock that necessitated her substitution, further weakening their offensive lineup.
The second half unfolded with a measured pace, but the 58th minute reignited excitement among the spectators. Ongos’ striker, Anna Shikusho, showcased her striking capabilities by outmanoeuvring the goalkeeper. However, her effort was thwarted as the ball agonisingly bounced off the crossbar.
Buoyed by this near miss, the Namibians intensified their efforts. Midfielder Zoe de Kock found the back of the net, offering a glimmer of hope. Yet, the linesman’s flag dashed their celebrations, ruling the goal offside.
Sealing their dominance, Herentals extended their lead in the 70th minute. Melody Chikore, demonstrating clinical finishing, placed the ball firmly into the goal, effectively sinking Ongos Ladies’ aspirations of a comeback.
However, in the 92 minute, Ndapewa Katuta pulled one ball back for Ongos to end the match.
Looking ahead, Ongos Ladies FC is set to confront South Africa’s University of the Western Cape on Saturday at 15h00. Their subsequent and final group stage match will be against Zambia’s Green Buffaloes on Monday.
In parallel, Group B features formidable teams such as Gaborone United (Botswana), União Desportiva de Lichinga (Mozambique), Ascent Soccer Academy (Malawi), and Young Buffaloes (Eswatini).
The tournament’s structure dictates that the top two teams with the highest points from each group will progress to the semi-finals. Enthusiasts can anticipate the competition’s culmination on 24 August.
-lmuetami@nepc.com.na