Young African eliminated from Debmarine Namibia Cup

WINDHOEK, 26 MAR – Debmarine Namibia Cup defending champions, Young African, were knocked out of the 2018 edition of the cup by Black Africa on Sunday evening.
They lost the game 9-10 on penalties after a 2-all draw at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in the capital.
Gobabis-based Young African brought their A-game on the night, taking the lead in the 12th minute through striker Harold Kandaera. They doubled their lead three minutes later with a brilliantly taken corner-kick by Ikuaterua Hoveka, who beat Black Africa goalkeeper Calvin Spiegel to put them in the driving seat.
Black Africa bounced back when defender Emilio Martin scored a penalty in the 22nd minute to make the half-time score 2-1.
In the second half, Black Africa were more determined to get themselves a goal and were rewarded for their hard work in the 59th minute when veteran striker Jerome Louis found the back of the net.
Black Africa were, however, reduced to 10 men in the 65th minute when Martin got his second yellow card but the Katutura giants continued to dominate the game despite not finding the winning goal, which forced the game to be decided on penalties.
Speaking to the media after his team’s elimination from the country’s lucrative Namibia Football Association cup competition, Young African coach Maleagi ‘Mali’ Ngarizemo said it has been a long season and his boys did all they could, but luck was just not on their side.
“We won this competition three months ago and we were hoping we could do better today, but it didn’t happen. I am happy with what my players have achieved thus far, as we still need to keep our heads high for all that we have achieved this season,” he said.
Ngarizemo added they will now turn their attention to the Namibia Premier League, where they are hoping to finish in a better position on the log standing. They are currently in third place on the log.
“Black Africa will now have two competitions (NPL and Debmarine) to focus on and I hope that will work in our favour in the league, so we can sneak in to finish at least second or third on the log,” Ngarizemo said.

NAMPA