adminMthokozisi Dube Sports Reporter
Namibia 2-1 Malawi
A composed display by Namibia’s Under-17 boys football team saw them come from a goal behind to snatch bronze at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games which ended in Bulawayo yesterday.
With the match seemingly going for the breather still 0-0, a lapse in concentration by the Namibians during first half added time led to Malawi’s Yusuf Luwanda sneaking behind the defence to shoot past a hapless Namibian goalkeeper Donovan Gainub.
The Young Flames of Malawi could have killed the contest during the first half but they were wasteful and found Gainub a stumbling block to their forays.
Limbani Mujahid Phiri, striker Precious Msosa and Nangaunozge Lihanga were guilty of squandering Malawi’s first half scoring chances.
On the other side, Namibia’s first real threat on Malawi came just after the hour mark, falling to Leonard Tuhafeni who was at the end of a Jandjamuje Maharero delivery but saw his effort missing the target by inches.
In search of an equaliser, Namibia coach Upi Turipamue brought in Brendon Kotungondo for Tuhafeni Leonard and his presence was felt by Malawi as he became a nuisance for his opponents.
Within three minutes on the pitch Katungondo won a penalty for Namibia after being brought down in the box having dribbled past the entire Malawi defence only to be tackled from behind and the referee Philani Ncube rightfully pointed to the spot.
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derick.khumalo