Windhoek: UNAM FC booked their place in the final of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Okahandja United at the Independence Stadium on Saturday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the university side, known as the Clever Boys, secured a place in their second cup final within a year. However, head coach Robert Nauseb admitted his team was fortunate to emerge victorious after being outplayed for large periods of the match.
"It is never an easy game against Okahandja United. We knew exactly what we were up against. They are a tough team," Nauseb said after the match. He praised the opposition's intensity and physical approach, conceding that his side struggled to match their aggression throughout the encounter.
"They were more aggressive than us. They wanted it more. We were fortunate to get that goal. They probably had four clear chances that they missed. To be honest, we should have lost this game. We did not play well today," he said.
Despite progressing to the final, Nauseb expressed concern over his team's inability to impose themselves during key periods of the match. "We were second to everything. We are just lucky to have won today," he added.
The victory nevertheless presents another opportunity for silverware after a series of near misses in recent knockout competitions. Reflecting on the club's recent disappointments, Nauseb noted that UNAM FC narrowly missed out on success in last season's MTC Maris Cup and also fell short in the Standard Bank Top Eight competition last month.
"This is our second final in a year. Last season, we lost in the Maris Cup, and last month we also lost in the Top Eight. Something needs to happen for us this time around," he said. The coach added that the team is determined to make the most of the opportunity and will fight for the trophy when they take to the field in the final.
UNAM FC will face KK Palace in the final after the northern outfit defeated Mighty Gunners 5-3 on penalties in the other semi-final following a goalless draw. Looking ahead to the final, Nauseb expects another physically demanding encounter against a side renowned for its work rate and resilience.
He also highlighted the challenges posed by an increasingly demanding football calendar, suggesting that the workload is beginning to take its toll on players. "You can see that the bodies are getting tired. The boys are only used to playing around 30 matches a season. Now they are playing as many as 37 matches, and their bodies are reacting differently," he said.
Meanwhile, in the women's section of the NFA Cup, Khomas NAMPOL and Mighty Gunners advanced to the final after defeating Julinho Athletics and Windhoek City, respectively, at the Independence Stadium on Saturday.