Abraham Mwanyekang
The NFA Cup Round of 32 served up goals, drama and shootout tension across four venues last weekend, with Young Brazilians posting the round’s biggest win and three matches settled from the penalty spot.
At Unam Stadium in Windhoek, margins were slim. Square Seven FC edged Gobabis Sports Club 2-1, Mighty Gunners ground out a 1-0 win over NUST FC, while African Stars and Blue Waters both survived 2-1 scares against Classic FC and Young African, respectively. Eleven Arrows had to rely on penalties to see off Khomas Nampol, winning 5-4 after a 2-2 draw.
The most emphatic result came at Persianers Stadium in Mariental, where Young Brazilians routed Brazilie FC 7-0. Dates Eleven also needed spot kicks to advance, beating Ongos 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 in regulation.
Rundu Stadium produced mixed fortunes for the hosts. United Stars beat Monaco FC 3-1, and Rundu Chiefs edged Bright Stars 1-0, but Divaya United lost 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Dynamos FC.
Northern derby delivers again at SKGA
At Severin Kambonde Gabriel Ashivudhi Stadium in Oshakati, the Northern derby between Chula Chula and KK Palace pulled another big crowd on Sunday.
Chula Chula struck first early in the second half, but KK Palace equalised in the 80th minute to force penalties. KK Palace held their nerve to win 5-4, extending a record that has seen Chula Chula never beat their rivals from the spot.
Life Fighters defeated Young Braves 3-1, Okahandja United beat Golden Bigs 2-0, and Unam FC hammered African Motto 4-0. Mkwamalanga FC came from behind to beat Pubs FC 2-1, while Okamwandi United edged Fontein City 2-1.
Round of 16: 5-6 June
The Namibia Football Association has confirmed the Round of 16 will be played on 5-6 June. The draw throws up several intriguing ties.
African Stars will face Unam FC in a clash of experience versus youth. Young Brazilians, fresh off their seven-goal haul, take on Mkwamalanga FC. KK Palace will meet Dates Eleven FC after ending Chula Chula’s hopes again.
Other fixtures: United Stars vs Okamwandi United, Life Fighters FC vs Rundu Chiefs FC, Square 7 vs Blue Waters, Mighty Gunners vs Eleven Arrows, and Okahandja United vs Dynamos FC.
Kick-off times and venues for the 5-6 June fixtures are yet to be confirmed by NFA.