Debmarine Premiership log leaders and in-form Khomas Nampol suffered a 3-0 defeat to KK Palace in the last-16 of the inaugural MTC Maris Cup.
It was played at the Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Nampol came into the tie as overwhelming favourites.
The in-form team this season managed to amass a total of 18 points in the top-flight league in nine games.
This highlights their rich pedigree in the local football scene.
However, the top-flight domestic cup debutants, led by Zimbabwean gaffer Andreas Phiri, unbelievably flipped the script when it looked like the log leaders would run past them and cruise through to the last eight.
The newly-promoted side went ahead in the first half as star player Elias Hambongo put the northern-based outfit ahead.
This was just before Kalaluka Kalumbweka converted from the penalty spot.
Just minutes later in the second half, Hambongo again found the back of the net to steer his side into the last eight.
Reacting to the win, an elated Phiri said he knew his team had what it takes to collect the results against a strong Khomas Nampol side.
“I think my players have seen the N$1.5 million. I told them everything was possible. I think that’s what motivated them,” he stated.
He added: “I think it’s a plus for us, given the fact that we will play the quarterfinals at home. It will be at Independence Stadium in Oshakati”.
Meanwhile, a disappointed Fortune Eichab said his side underestimated their opponents, which cost them so much.
“We made a lot of mistakes today. I believe our substitutions were senseless. I think, heading forward, we will have to go back to the drawing board. We took our opponents lightly, which played as an advantage to them, and they capitalised on our mistakes,” he said.
Second-positioned Young African managed to book their quarterfinal ticket, as they sunk Karasburg outfit Young Brazilian in a tough contest played in the rain.
Tjimbuja Kapuuo’s goal was enough to propel his side to the last-eight of the tournament.
Young African are currently placed second in the standings with 19 points from eight games this season. They are the only side in the top-flight league yet to taste defeat this season.
Reacting to the win, the owner of the club, Marley Ngarizemo, said that teamwork has helped them transition into the fine team they are now.
“We take everything seriously. I believe the more we keep on working together, the more our fans will see these types of results. I am happy for my players and technical team,” he said.
In other results over the weekend, coastal outfit Blue Waters advanced to the next round after they ran past Okahandja United 4-3 on penalties.
Fan favourites Eeshoke Chula Chula were eliminated from the tournament, as they lost 5-4 on penalties against a Robert Nauseb-led Unam.
Yesterday morning, Rundu-based outfit Cuca Tops crashed out of the tournament, as they were brushed off by Ongos 3-0.
The MTC Maris Cup will be contested only by the 16 clubs of the Debmarine Premiership.
The prize money is set at a staggering N$1.5 million winner-takes-all extravaganza.
The intention is to highlight and elevate the competition, as well as entice all the clubs that a lot is at stake for all-out football glory.
Round eight will take place on 1 and 2 February at the Oshakati Independence Stadium.
The semifinals will be played on 15 and 16 February at the Mariental Sport Stadium, before the cup returns to Windhoek for the final on 1 March, also at the Hage Geingob Stadium.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na