The NFA Cup Round of 16 matches produced a weekend of dominant performances, hard-fought encounters and penalty shootout drama.
Teams battled for places in the quarter-finals at Independence Stadium in Windhoek and different venues across the country.
Young Brazilians secured their place in the last eight with a convincing 4-0 victory over Ohangwena second division side Mkwamalanga FC at Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
Francois Vries grabbed a brace, while veteran defender Emilio Martin and midfielder Karuo Mojari also found the back of the net to complete the rout.
Young Brazilians coach Lionel Afrikaner says the match served its purpose as the club continues preparations for life in the Namibia Premier Football League.
“We are still adapting to a new system and there are areas we need to improve on, but it was good to give some of the players game time and continue building towards the season,” Afrikaner says.
Despite the defeat, Mkwamalanga coach Londo Elia says his side gained valuable lessons from facing high-level opposition.
“The second half was much better from our side. We learnt that against teams of this quality you need to keep the ball better, be fitter and stay composed. These are lessons we will take back to the second division,” Elia says.
The second encounter of the day produced one of the most spirited performances of the tournament as Dates Eleven pushed premier league side KK Palace all the way before eventually losing 5-3 on penalties.
The Neudamm-based side had already stunned FC Ongos earlier in the competition and once again proved that they belong on the big stage.
Dates Eleven opened the scoring in the first half through Samuel Muleka with a fine shot into the top left-hand corner.
KK Palace responded before the break when Abraham Fillipus found space just outside the penalty area and drilled a low shot into the bottom-left corner to level matters at 1-1.
Bongani Tsowaseb then put KK Palace ahead in the second half, but Dates Eleven refused to give up. Pollen Rooi restored parity late in the match after a slick passing move carved open the Palace defence, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.
Despite the defeat, Dates Eleven coach Andries Wimmerth praised his players for their remarkable cup journey.
“These boys have shown what they are capable of. We came from Neudamm and competed against some of the strongest teams in the country. This should motivate them because it proves we have the talent and potential to play at a higher level,” Wimmerth said.
KK Palace eventually progressed, but coach Sakaria “Shafa” Kambonde was far from satisfied with his team’s display.
“I was not happy with the performance. We allowed them to take the lead and later let them back into the game when we should have finished the match. These are things we need to correct going forward,” Kambonde said.
UNAM SHOCK STARS
The biggest shock of the day came in the final fixture as Unam FC eliminated African Stars with a 1-0 victory.
The students took an early lead when Eduardo Namib tapped home from close range after a brilliant run and low cross from teammate Giovani Nauseb, who had forced his way past two African Stars defenders.
Stars were handed two golden opportunities to rescue the contest from the penalty spot but failed to convert either chance. Experienced forward Willy Stephanus blazed his effort over the crossbar before Edgar Kamatuka saw his stoppage-time penalty brilliantly saved by Unam goalkeeper Owen Gariseb in the 96th minute.
The dramatic save sparked celebrations among Unam supporters as the students held on for yet another impressive result, while Stars coach Benni Haoseb admitted his side fell below expectations.
“We are disappointed with the performance and the result. We had chances, including two penalties, but we did not take them. We now have to put this behind us and focus on preparing for our CAF Champions League campaign,” Hoeseb says.
Elsewhere, Okahandja United secured a 2-0 victory over Dynamos at Oscar Norich Stadium at Tsumeb to book their place in the quarter-finals.
At the same venue, Okamwandi United edged past United Stars with a narrow 1-0 win to join the last eight.
Rundu Chiefs also progressed after defeating Life Fighters 2-0.
At the coast, Mighty Gunners advanced with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Blue Waters following a 1-1 draw, while Square Seven defeated Eleven Arrows 4-2 on penalties after a goalless stalemate.
Following the conclusion of the African Stars and Unam clash, the quarter-final draw was conducted.
Mighty Gunners will face Young Brazilians, while Rundu Chiefs take on Okahandja United.
Unam FC have been drawn against Okamwandi United, while Square Seven will battle KK Palace for a place in the semi-finals. The dates and venues of the matches will still be announced by the Namibia Football Association.
