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Botswana’s Masego Koboto (left) goes past Namibia’s Millicent Hikuam (5) while Refilwe Tholakele (right) chases the loose ball

Fungai Muderere 
Botswana 1-1 Namibia
A DETERMINED Namibia women’s Under-20 football team came from behind to force a one-all draw against Botswana in an African Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games match that was played at a packed Luveve Stadium yesterday. After 43 minutes of action that swung from one end to another, Botswana girls, who are known as the Young Female Zebras, took the lead right at the end of the first half courtesy of a Kesegofetse Moshe dipping shot.

The shot beat advancing Namibia goalminder Melissa Matheus after Moshe intelligently made use of a back pass she had received.

Namibia, who proved to be a darling of many local football enthusiasts who braved the heat to watch the exciting match, found their equaliser through super-sub Natasha Vekarapi.

Vekarapi was introduced in the 68th minute for Juliana Blou. Her curling effort from outside the box reduced Botswana’s goalkeeper to a mere spectator, much to the delight of a number of Zimbabwean football lovers who were openly backing the Namibian girls. Although the game did not produce more goals, fans were kept on the edges of their seats courtesy of some lovely footwork from the girls.

Being their first international match in three weeks, Botswana head coach Sepheko Motlhagoti said he was happy with the result.

“I think our team played well. We dominated the first half and we got a goal which was good. This happened to be our first international game after three weeks in camp.

“It was a big experience for the girls and it is unfortunate that we had a lapse in concentration that resulted in their equaliser,” said the soft-spoken Motlhagothi.

A disappointed Namibia coach Bertus Bock said:

“Honestly the girls made some silly mistakes. I told them that the Botswana defenders are tall and thus they needed to play the ball but they kept on pumping long balls which were easily headed away.

“I’m not happy with the draw. Zimbabwe are on three points and this means we need to win our next game.”

Namibia are due to take on red-hot South Africa’s Banyana Banyana at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow while Zimbabwe, who were on a spying mission at Luveve Stadium, lock horns with Botswana at Luveve Stadium on the same day.

Both matches kick off at 11AM.