2006-12-18Staff Report 2 By Kuvee Kangueehi WINDHOEK Hundreds of African Stars supporters who flocked to the Independence Stadium on Saturday afternoon were left heart broken as Civics snatched the First National Bank Cup from their team in the dying minutes. Stars were heading for a famous victory leading 2-1 when Civics were awarded a penalty in the final twenty minutes after a Stars defender handled the ball in the penalty area. The prolific Civilians goalscorer William Chilufya made no mistake from the spot and slotted the ball in the bottom right corner to send the game into extra time. The Khomasdal-based side in the end walked away with the FNB Cup as they beat African Stars 4-3 on penalties. The final really lived up to its expectations and from the first whistle the game had the hundreds of supporters on their feet. Despite missing their talismanic midfielder Rudi Louw through suspension, the champions were the first to attack and were rewarded early in the game with a goal. Former Ajax Cape Town hitman Floris Diergaardt opened their account for them with a well taken shot just inside the 18-yard area. Stars responded through the former Brave Warriors' defender Steven Tjeeno who pulled one back after ten minutes. The halftime score was 1-1. In the second half Stars came back stronger and attacked the champions from all flanks. It was no surprise when they took the lead for the first time in the 70th minute when Johannes Seibeb scored a beautiful volley to send the hundreds of Stars supporters into celebration. However, the celebration was short-lived as Stars stopped attacking Civics and camped in their own half. This strategy invited Civics to attack more and in the end Stars' defence could no longer take it and conceded a penalty. Civics walked away with N$170 000 while Stars had to settle for a N$70 000. This was Stars' second consecutive appearance in the final. Last year they lost to Blue Waters. 2006-12-18Staff Report 2
