21 April 2008
Windhoek — Namibia's national Under 20 soccer side gave a disappointing performance as they were held to a 1-all draw by Botswana in Windhoek on Friday night.
Namibia took an early lead through a fine goal by striker Eusebio Fredericks, but Botswana equalised from a goalmouth scramble shortly after half-time through Gafaone Molapi.
With Botswana scoring an important away goal and with the return leg in Gaborone scheduled to take place in a fortnight's time, Botswana are now the favourites to progress to the next round of the African Youth Cup competition. Namibia had prepared for the match with a friendly against South Africa's Amajita more than a month ago, in which they gave a great performance despite losing 2-1. But on Friday night there was little evidence of that as they gave Botswana too much space and allowed the visitors to dictate play. Botswana did the early attacking and Namibian keeper Max Mbaeva pulled off great saves against Aubrey Kebonnebe and Mogakolodi Ngole early on.
Namibia however took the lead against the run of play when Eslin Kamuhanga broke down the left wing and centred to Eusebio Fredericks in the box. Fredericks dropped his marker with a deft turn and slammed the ball into the corner of the net.
Botswana came back through an attack by Kgaodi Odirile, who centred to Ntesang Simanyana in the box, but Namibia's defence somehow managed to scramble his shot away. Namibia's chances were few and far between and when they did break through, they were invariably caught offside by Botswana's defence. Namibia showed more urgency in the second half with Fredericks and Edison Muheua coming close early on. But it was Botswana who struck when Namibia failed to clear from a corner and Molapi shot into the net from close range.
Namibia's substitute striker Nelson Angula later on put Imperth Isaack clear, but his shot was blocked, and towards the end of the match Angula couldn't control the ball when he only had the keeper to beat. It was a disappointing performance by Namibia, who were held in check by the visitors.
Winger Eslin Kamuhanga worked tirelessly down the left wing and provided several good crosses, but the midfield of Akio van Wyk, Raymond Soreseb and Edison Muheua was largely ineffective.
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