Dates win marathon shootout

An impressive Dates Eleven side defeated tournament favourites Dolam Pirates from the Khomas Region via a marathon penalty shootout, to win the Queensab soccer tournament over the weekend.The game ended in a 1-1 draw after extra-time. The match started like a house on fire and Dates Eleven caught Dolam Pirates napping after beating an offside trap to score their opener within five minutes after the kickoff through Plane Plaatjies. The two teams went head-to-head with pocket-sized Balu Christiaans running havoc with his silky skills and causing all sorts of problems for the Dolan Pirates defence. He created scoring chances for his teammates, but this yielded nothing. Dolan Pirates did not allow Dates Eleven to run riot in the midfield for very long and former Orlando Pirates and Tigers player Image Isaacks took the game by the scruff of the neck and caused defensive problems for Dates Eleven.In the 15th minute, a through pass from Isaacks found Chestley Stanley in a promising position, but he was pulled down by a Dates Eleven defender.He dusted himself off and scored from a brilliant free-kick that was launch over the wall, pass the outstretched hands of Innocent Lambert.The two teams went into the second half with the scores tied. Dates Eleven upped the tempo in the second half, as they looked for their second goal, but veteran player Ettiezen Tsuseb used his vast experience to defuse the threats from the marauding Christiaans and Quera Van Staden. Dates Eleven had a great goal-scoring opportunity midway through the second half, but Serero Rooi took too long and the threat was neutralised. The inevitable moment of penalties arrived and the two teams showed nerves of steel to convert their mandatory five penalties each. The shootout became a marathon affair, with both sets of players clinical in converting their spot kicks. In the end, Dates Eleven converted their sudden death penalty and Pirates cracked.The penalty shootout ended 13-12 in Dates Eleven's favour.Dates coach Andries Wimmerth said they had only one thing on their mind when they undertook the 500km journey, and that was to win the tournament.“We came for one thing and we achieved it by winning the tournament. We decided that we will play in different regions to make the players accustomed to different playing styles in the country, which will be beneficial to them,” said Wimmerth.He applauded the organisers for a well-organised tournament and said they will take part again if the chance presents itself. Dates Eleven received N$15 000, 20 gold medals and a trophy, while Pirates received N$10 000 and 20 silver medals.Stones, who lost against Dolam Pirates 3-2 in their semi-final and Deon Eleven, who were defeated 7-6 on penalties by Dates in the other semi, walked away with N$2 500 each.LIMBA MUPETAMI

Dates win marathon shootout

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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Dates win marathon shootout

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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