It was an action filled weekend in the MTC Hopsol League. In what began as a high-pressure game from Prolific SC, the team attacked from the onset, creating several chances early in the first half and eventually scoring a blistering strike by Bernado Oa-Eib. 

However, things took a turn when Ramblers regrouped in the second half.

Two substitutions made after the break brought a new dynamic to Ramblers’ play, as they managed to convert a penalty and a well-placed free kick in front of the box by Ruben Tjombumbi.

Ramblers’ captain, Unowa Kasona, admitted that the game didn’t start in their favour.

“The game was really not on our side when the first half kicked off, but we managed to pull ourselves together. As you saw, at least after the first five minutes, we tried to do our best, pull in, and also fight back,” he said.

He credited the substitutions for the turnaround. “The changes, I think, that improved the game were those brought in by Ruben and Shaden. Those two really improved the game. Defensively, our midfield was really not at its best, but at the end of the day, we tried to fight back.”

Despite the win, the captain believes there is still room for improvement, particularly in the midfield and defensive areas.

“I’m very happy with the teammates’ performance. I am also proud of the comeback I made today. And, yeah, I hope for many more wins,” he concluded.

On the other side, Prolific’s captain shared his disappointment. “The match started off well with us scoring early on, but we eventually lost grip as the game progressed,” he said. “We had control, but in the second half, there was chaos on our side. We did not communicate well. It was distressing. I think that’s what caused the 2–1 defeat.”

He also felt they were unfairly denied a goal. “I am disappointed because we were also robbed of a goal at the end. They said number nine was offside, but actually, number 10 had scored. Number nine was ahead first, then number 10 scored the goal.”

Reflecting on their league standing, the captain expressed concern. “Being fifth on the table is not our style. We should work hard in order to qualify for the knockout stages,” he added.

Elsewhere

Sport Klub Windhoek’s U/15 (SKW), who top their group with a commanding goal difference, were held to a 0-0 draw by Windhoek Gymnasium at the Jan Mohr Football Field.

Coach Ephraim Tjihonge of Windhoek Gymnasium acknowledged SKW’s goal-scoring prowess, especially after their recent  8-0 win and came with a plan to neutralise them.

“We came with a plan, which was the low block, the midfield block. We had to keep them in their half for a longer period of the game, which worked because there were no spaces for them to play,” he explained.

“In the second half, they got back and tried to get the ball behind our defence, but the distance between our goalkeeper and defence was small. Any bounce behind the defence or towards goal, either the defence or the goalkeeper picked it up. It’s good for U/15 boys to get an instruction or tactic and follow it.”

Tjihonge added that finishing and passing still need work, as the boys haven’t had much game time this season.

“We didn’t play that much, which is something I’ve been crying about all season. We must be able to keep the ball for at least five or six passes at this age in Namibia. But we are struggling with that. I think we will get better, but credit must go to the boys—they did very well,” he said.

SKW’s coach, Enrico Tjiramba, also reflected on the draw. “I think it was a good game, given that Windhoek Gymnasium came looking for a draw, and that’s what they got. 

So their objective was right,” he said.

“We tried everything, but we couldn’t get the goal. We tried to penetrate, but the goal just wasn’t coming. Credit to them; they came with an excellent game plan.”

Tjiramba admitted that his team struggled in the final third. “We were not really penetrating well and couldn’t take our chances. I think we didn’t even have a clear chance worth noting. We didn’t take them, and the chances just weren’t there,” he explained.

“I think we need to improve in our final third. We’ll work on that. We need to move the ball a bit faster so we can get the goal as quickly as possible, definitely,” he concluded. 

-slunyangwe@nepc.com.na