Namibia win double gold in Harare

Namibia’s men and women both won the gold medals at the Africa Central-South Hockey Qualifier in Harare after winning their final matches yesterday. 

Namibia’s women overcame a spirited Zimbabwe 3-1, while Namibia’s men beat Zambia 4-0.

In the women’s final, Zimbabwe came out attacking from the start with Tinodiwanashe Elijah putting in some strong attacks down the right wing. 

Namibia’s defence initially held out, but Zimbabwe’s early pressure told as they took the lead midway through the first quarter when Ruvarashe Mushavi finished off another attack by Elijah.

Namibia increased the tempo in the second quarter and after winning a few penalty corners, Kiana Cormack finally equalised when she slammed a rebound into the net. 

With the momentum now with Namibia, more chances came their way in the third quarter. An attack by Anri Els led to two successive penalty corners and although Marika Neethling’s shot was well saved, Namibia soon took the lead when Azaylee Philander deflected a cross into the box. 

Zimbabwean keeper Tanatswa Mutaramuswa pulled off a stunning point blank save to deny Philander, while at the other end, Amber Tozana wasted a great chance when she only had Namibian keeper Petro Stoffberg to beat but couldnt control the ball.

Zimbabwe threw caution to the wind in the final quarter with Tozana and Elijah leading their attacks, but Namibia’s defence, well-marshalled by captain Cormack, stood firm. 

After another quick counter-attack by Cormack in the closing stages, Azaylee Philander finally sealed the match for Namibia when she stabbed a pass by Anine le Roux into the net. 

In the third place play-off match, Zambia grabbed the bronze medal after an emphatic 17-0 victory against Eswatini. 

Carol Nakombe of Zambia was a runaway winner of the top goal scorer award with 14 goals, followed by Kiana Cormack, Tinodiwanashe Elijah of Zimbabwe and Martha Kalomo of Zambia who were joint-second with six goals each. 

They were followed by Namibia’s Tara Myburgh and Loveness Mudenda with five goals each, and Namibia’s Anri Els and Zambia’s Memory Chaya on four goals each. 

With the victory Namibia maintained their unbeaten status at the tournament, while they also qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Despite the defeat, Zimbabwe, as well as third-placed Zambia also qualified for Afcon 2025 where they will come up against South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda. 

In the men’s final, Zambia did the early attacking, but Namibia weathered the storm to run out comfortable winners. 

Liam Hermanus was Namibia’s star player scoring a hattrick, while Fagan Hansen added a fourth goal to give them a comfortable victory. 

Hermanus was also the tournament’s top goal scorer with 11 goals, followed by Alfred Mpande of Zambia on 10, Tatenda Kanyangarara of Zimbabwe (7), Brynn Cleak of Namibia (6) and Fagan Hansen of Namibia (5).

Namibia and Zambia will now compete at the 2025 Afcon finals against South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda.