Ongos Ladies’ coach Shama Gure lauded his team for their clinical performance in an emphatic 8-0 victory over Nust Babes in the PstBet NFA Cup women’s semi-finals on Saturday at the Mariental Stadium.
The reigning FNB Women’s Super League champions dominated the match, putting eight goals past Nust Babes to secure their place in the final.
Ongos Ladies became the first team ever to qualify for the inaugural NFA Cup women’s division final.
Reacting to the win, Gure expressed his satisfaction for the first time in a long while. “I’m always critical of my team’s performance,” he admitted. “But this is the first time in a long time I saw them play exactly how I want them to. We were clinical, converting all our chances. The defence was solid as well, not allowing any clear opportunities for the Beauties’ goalkeeper,” he said.
With a spot in the final secured, Gure remains focused on the ultimate prize: “win the cup”.
“If we can replicate Saturday’s performance, I’m confident we can lift the trophy, regardless of who emerges victorious from today’s (Sunday) match,” he added.
Young Brazilians have also booked their ticket to the PstBet NFA Cup men’s final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory on Saturday. The match against Eeshoke Chula Chula ended in a 1-1 draw, but Young Brazilians held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties.
Young Brazilians’ coach Galiel Pelwan acknowledged the difficulty of the match, particularly against a strong Eeshoke Chula Chula side who scored first. However, he commended his team’s resilience in regaining control after conceding.
“It was a good game,” Pelwan reflected. “Chula Chula are a good team; they scored early, and lost focus for a bit. But after we equalised, we took control until the penalties.”
He also highlighted the crucial role of the supporters throughout the competition. “The win means a lot to us, mostly the supporters who have been backing us and motivating us to win. We’ll approach the final the same way, without putting pressure on ourselves.” Sunday's semi-finals saw Khomas Nampol vs Beauties in the women's competition and Khomas Nampol vs African Stars in the men's competition.
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na