Namibia (8) v (12) Rwanda
Namibia v Rwanda
By Claire Varley
Rwanda stole victory from Namibia 12-8 today in the final qualifying game of the Community Cup.
With the Philippine team carefully watching their future opposition from the stands, it could have been anyone's game, as both teams played an evenly matched, passionate game.
After an initial burst of powerful Namibian attack, Rwanda's Djuma Niyigena took the first goal off the back of a Namibian pass back error.
Both teams embarked on a series of fiery shots on goal that tested both keepers, before Namibia's Hans Kasibu levelled the score.
Namibian goals from Felix Witbooi and Hans Kasibu set a promising pace for Namibia, who sent an onslaught of attacking goals at Rwandan keeper Michel Ndatisenga, who proved himself well.
Rwanda came back fighting, with goals from Djuma Nyigena and Ally Uwimana, who found the net twice.
A clumsy back pass from Namibia's Felix Witbooi resulted in an own goal, for which he was quickly forgiven after scoring another goal for Namibia up the right end of the pitch.
Natasha Bernadette Ndjao worked tirelessly for Namibia, setting up goal-scoring opportunities for her team and at half time the match was anyone's game, 5-4 Rwanda's way.
Djuma Niygena started off the second half scoring for Rwanda.
A heavy Namibian defence resulted in Felix Witbooi stealing two more goals for Namibia.
Frustration was showing on both sides as Niygena scored for Rwanda.
Rwanda then found an opening in the Namibian defence, shooting from far out, resulting in three goals to Ally Uwimana and one for Hussein Ntakirutumana.
Namibia's Felix Witbooi came back on field with rested legs and immediately claimed a goal.
Djuma Niyigena responded by passing the ball through the legs of the Namibian keeper for another Rwandan goal.
In the final moments of the match desperate corner hustles resulted in goals for Namibia's Geil Zenobia Gowases and Rwanda's Hussien Ntakirutumana, proving how well matched these two teams were.
At the final whistle the game went Rwanda's way, 12-8.
Photos: Photoworx