Women Hold Their Own in Soccer

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By Kuvee Kangueehi Windhoek Namibia’s Brave Gladiators now face a tough trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after they held three-all at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in the capital. The Gladiators will need a victory to progress to the second of the Olympic qualifiers in the match, which will be played in Kinshasa on the March 10. The Gladiators started the match strongly, and it was no surprise when they opened that scoring in the first ten minutes of the game through Leandri Lucas who beat the DRC’s goalie in an aerial battle to put the ball in the back of the net. The visitors were not to be intimidated by the early goal and struck back after a couple of minutes to make the scoreline one-all. DRC stretched the score-line when Wadlo Kiumbi found the back of the net, beating goalie Bonnita Eixas. Namibia came very strong in the second stanza, creating the necessary chances; their breakthrough came through striker Stella Williams who added her name on the score-sheet to bring the scoreline to two-all. DRC pressured ahead when they netted home their third goal, but the Brave Gladiators came on very strong when pint-sized striker Juliana Skrywer scored the equalizer. Meanwhile, Nampa reports that Blue Waters defeated arch-rival Kinaco Minolta Eleven Arrows by two goals to one at the Kuisebmund Stadium on Saturday. Blue Waters again demonstrated their superiority over KM Eleven Arrows when their goals came through the boot of seasoned striker Armando Pedro who neatly netted home a penalty awarded. Blue Waters’ second goal came through newly signed Kenny Malgas who brought the scoreline to 2-1 at the end of the last whistle. Blue Waters spokesperson, Tostau Imbili, informed Nampa on Sunday that both teams had played a clear match. However, he said that a fight broke out after the match with KM Eleven Arrows’ supporters attacking the security personnel. KM Eleven Arrows coach Lucky Shipanga was almost attacked by his side’s disappointed fans. Blue Waters victory brought the blue and white outfit to seventh place on the NPL log standing. In the capital, Black Africa beat township rival Orlando Pirates by a solitary goal at a match well-attended which took place at the Independence stadium. Black Africa’s goal came through Jerome Louis who wasted no time in the second half. Orlando Pirates dominated the affairs in the middle of the park, with midfield kingpin Patrick Jagger creating the much-needed chances, which striker Saul Coetzee failed dismally to convert. Black Africa’s technical committee resorted to the services of former Brave Warriors goalie Ronny Kanalelo. Kanalelo’s dramatic return brought confidence in the players as he calmly took charge of the team from his goalpost. Orlando Pirates midfielder Jagger crossed to Coetzee after beating Kanalelo and went over the crossbar, failing to get the much-needed equalizer. Black Africa is now second on the Namibia Premier league (NPL) log standing with 21 points, while Civics FC still leads the pack by the same margin. In yesterday’s other matches, Civics drew one-all against Friends, while Golden Bees played to a two-all draw against Fysal Oshakati City in Outjo.