Harare: Two Namibian teams, Okakarara Golden Ladies FC and Otjiwarongo Sports Academy, suffered heavy defeats in their opening matches at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) underway at Ngoni Stadium in Harare, Zimbabwe.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the second edition of the tournament, which runs from 08 to 18 December 2025, includes teams from Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, Lesotho, Zambia, and the host Zimbabwe. Otjiwarongo Sports Academy faced a significant defeat of 12-0 against Zimbabwe’s Mpopona Sports Academy in their first match on Monday, while Aquila Stars Women FC of Zambia defeated Okakarara Golden Ladies FC 5-0 on Tuesday.

In an interview with Nampa on Wednesday, Otjiwarongo Sports Academy chairperson Raisameua Kasaona attributed the defeat to fatigue due to the team’s two-day travel. “We arrived in Harare on Sunday, and we were on the field on Monday. This was difficult for us, and the home team dominated us as we didn’t rest well from travelling,” Kasaona said, mentioning that the lack of international exposure also played a role.

Otjiwarongo Sports Academy is set to face Mamelodi Sundowns FC from South Africa on Thursday. Kasaona expressed optimism, stating, “Our girls rested, and they are ready to face their opponent, Sundowns FC. We will give it all, considering the first defeat. We have to bring positive results from this match.”

Wilson Nguvauva, the president of Okakarara Golden Ladies FC, linked his team’s loss to a lack of international exposure and fatigue. He noted that the team was already disadvantaged before the tournament began, as they traveled with only 15 players after six key players withdrew due to national documentation issues.

Nguvauva is hopeful for their next match against Refilwe FC of South Africa on Friday. “We will try our best. We have nothing to fear, my girls are talented, and this is the opportunity for them to shine,” he said.