Stephanus' late winner breaks Blue Waters' hearts
A last-minute goal by Stephanus Petrus was enough to secure Ongos FC a vital point at the Independence Stadium on Saturday.
The match seemed destined to end in a hard-fought draw for Blue Waters, but Ongos’ late charge broke the hearts of the coastal side. The victory also signalled Ronnie Kanalelo’s intentions to have a say in the Namibia Premier Football League title race.
The club has been on the rise ever since Kanalelo took over late last year, and this recent win highlights a team with sights set on a successful season.
The Ongos FC coach expressed satisfaction that his team never gave up, even when it seemed the points would be shared.“It is always very special when a goal comes that late in the match, especially when it is a winning goal.“I must say we controlled the game because we were very consistent in our play.“They had a high press, but we did not shy away from playing from the back, even when they tried to keep us in our own half,” Kanalelo said.
The first half saw both teams attempt to play in contrasting styles, with Blue Waters relying on the counter, while Ongos controlled most of the possession. Blue Waters, however, looked threatening every time they attacked, but most of their shots went astray.
“I told my players that this team likes to press, and they would try to press high and hit us on the counter.
“We, however, had a plan, which forced them to resort to long balls and crosses, none of which were truly threatening,” the Ongos coach told Sport Wrap.
Blue Waters distraught
The visitors believed they had secured an important point away from home after putting in a strong defensive effort for 90 minutes.
However, their plans fell apart in injury time, leaving their coach frustrated.
Coach Mamie Kasaona expressed her disappointment with some of the referee’s decisions.
“I think we showed in the first 45 minutes that it was anyone’s match. We played beautiful football, but the referee did not always do us justice.
“We entered the match knowing they are a ball-playing team, and we allowed them possession to hit them on the counter.
“It was just unfortunate that we conceded a goal in such a manner and at such a critical moment.
“As a coach, I have been through such moments, and for us, it is just about motivating the players and moving on to salvage our season,” Kasaona said.
Other Saturday results
Champions African Stars secured a 4-2 victory over Julinho Athletics in Rundu, while Khomas Nampol also earned three points by beating Rundu Chief 3-1 away from home.
Mighty Gunners and Bucks Buccaneers played to a 1-1 draw at Otjiwarongo, while Life Fighters lost 0-2 to Okahandja United.
Tigers FC fell 2-4 to Eeshoke Chula Chula in Windhoek, while Young African and KK Palace played to a 1-1 draw in Gobabis.
Unam FC were held 1-1 by coastal side Eleven Arrows at the University Stadium on Saturday.
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