Oshikoto Region reached their first ever Newspaper Cup final when they defeated Oshana 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in their semi-final on Sunday.
Last year’s hosts went better than their third place finish in the previous tournament by completing a remarkable comeback at the Outjo Sport Stadium when they fought back from 3-1 down late in the second half to draw 3-3 and send the match to a penalty shoot-out.
Oshana appeared to be heading for a third final appearance in four years when their captain Pandeni Kandjabanga scored inside the opening two minutes.
They could have added a couple soon after but exciting forward Israel Shikongo wasted two sitters in quick succession.
Oshana had their tails up and should have been out of sight by halftime, but for woeful finishing. Winger Kleopas ‘Messi’ Daniel was the next to waste easy chances, as he first blazed high when cutting inside a defender and left with only the keeper to beat and then screwed another effort wide the post with the keeper already committed.
Manchester United Macgyver also missed the target when he shot wide with an unguarded goal to aim at.
They were made to rue those missed opportunities when Oshikoto equalised soon after half-time through striker Desmond Kharigub, who tapped in from close range.
However, Oshana were soon ahead again when Petrus Shivute toe-poked home and extended their lead through a crisp long- range effort from Pandeni.
Oshana appeared to be cruising after that, knocking the ball about confidently and creating two further chances that their forwards spurned.
Oshikoto’s comeback began in fortuitous fashion, when Ronaldo Gaoab’s looping cross flew in over goalkeeper Hafeni Festus.
With the momentum having swung in their favour, Kharigub equalised with another tap in at the death following a scramble for the ball in the box, leaving the match to be decided through the dreaded penalty shoot-out.
Oshana missed two of their five spot kicks, while Oshikoto missed only one and converted four to see them through to the final.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
