Abraham Mwanyekange

OSHAKATI – Eeshoke Chula Chula and King Kauluma (K.K.) Palace played a tense game on Sunday at Oshakati Stadium, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

The match had few opportunities, but neither team capitalised on them. Chula Chula had early chances, but they were effectively stopped by KK goalkeeper Leondro Pana Mundingi. In the 38th minute, KK’s Zambian striker Jasper Masilaeti attempted a bicycle kick, but Eeshoke’s goalkeeper Sibesho Musipili made a save.

Masilaeti tried again in the 40th minute, but Musipili was prepared once more. In the last two minutes before halftime, Mundingi was forced to punch away a powerful header from Johannes Shiyave. The game went into halftime with only one yellow card issued to Vilho Nghikumwa after fouling Eric Yema.

During the second half, KK began pressing Chula Chula, earning four corners within the first 10 minutes, but they still couldn’t score. KK responded with double substitutions: Bongani Tsoaseb replaced Kelvin Akper due to injury to bolster their defence, and Ncimunya Chindima came on for Precious Gift Garoeb to boost their attacking efforts.

In the 73rd minute, Chula Chula nearly scored, but KK captain Kanza Omtiti Mfutia made a crucial clearance. Also at 73 minutes, Chula Chula’s young star, Michael (Bwebwe) Jonas, was sent off with a straight red card for violent contact on Elias Hambongo.

After the game, coach John Sikeret of Chula Chula expressed satisfaction with the draw, explaining that their initial game plan was to push hard in the first half and contain the opponents, but it didn’t work. They had to adjust their strategy in the second half, though they struggled to break through.

The second half became even more challenging after their star player received a red card, which limited their attacking options.

Meanwhile, KK Palace interim coach Shafa Kambonde also praised the draw, stating, “Chula Chula is not easy to beat; we all know this.”

He added, “We stretched them, created a few chances, but it was not just our day.”

KK Palace Captain Kanza Omtiti Mfutila was named Player of the Match. KK still dominates Chula Chula, having now met four times, with KK winning twice and drawing twice. Chula Chula has dropped to second place, just one point behind African Stars, who are top of the Namibia Premier League with 32 points.

-abbenghilai@gmail.com