Defending champions Ongos Ladies missed an opportunity to move to the top of the log after playing to a thrilling 2-2 draw against current leaders Beauties on Saturday.
The highly-anticipated match took place at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Technical Centre, with both teams eager to extend their lead in the ongoing FNB Women’s Super League.
Beauties made their mark early, taking the lead through a well-taken free-kick by Fiola Fliete just outside the box. However, Ongos responded before halftime, with Ivone Kooper finding the equaliser.
The second half saw Ongos Ladies take control, and Kooper struck again to put them ahead. But just minutes before the final whistle, Beauties found a late equaliser through Helena Amwandangi, to ensure they stayed on top.
Ongos Ladies head coach Shama Gure admitted that his team struggled in front of goal, which cost them the chance to claim the top spot. However, he remained optimistic about their chances in the remaining fixtures.
“We started quite slow today, and our plan was to catch our opponents on the counter. We created several chances in the first half but failed to capitalise, which saw us fall behind,” he said.
“In the second half, we made some tactical adjustments, and it changed the game in our favour. We dominated and managed to take the lead, but unfortunately, we couldn’t secure a win,” he added.
The result leaves Ongos Ladies on 20 points, but Gure remains confident. “We couldn’t go top today, but we have another match on Sunday (yesterday). If we collect maximum points, we could still be at the summit by Monday (today),” he noted.
Meanwhile, Beauties head coach Salome Iyambo expressed mixed emotions about the draw but remained pleased that her side stayed in first place.
“I’m a bit disappointed with the result, but I have to give credit to the players for their performance. It’s not the outcome we wanted, but we’re grateful for the point. Overall, I’m happy that we remain on top after this match,” she said.
Elsewhere, Unam Bokkies cruised to a dominant 6-0 victory over Namib Daughters.
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na