The Standard Bank Top 8 Cup delivered unexpected results at the Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund as the Namibia Premier Football League champions, African Stars, and runners-up, the ‘pride of the north’ Eeshoke Chula Chula, both failed to advance to the semi-finals.
African Stars were defeated by Coastal Side Eleven Arrows in the tournament’s opening match. Stars lost 2-4 on penalties after the match ended goalless in regulation time.
Stars’ head coach, Agnus Elemu, blamed the poor performance on the condition of the pitch.
“We couldn’t play our game because of the field. One half was bumpy, while the rest was unplayable, which affected what we had prepared and expected to play,” said Elemu.
Eleven Arrows head coach George Hummel described the victory as a brilliant win, noting that his side, which came from the first division, managed to beat the league champions three times this season, including pre-season matches.
“We are underdogs, and even in the semi-finals, we will still be the underdogs. The idea was to frustrate Stars a bit,” said Hummel.
FC Ongos secured a narrow 1-0 victory over KK Palace on Saturday.
On Sunday, NDF Mighty Gunners edged Eeshoke Chula Chula 1-0.
Mighty Gunners coach Leonald Nambandi said they anticipated a difficult encounter, given Eeshoke’s competitiveness throughout the league season.
“We knew it would not be easy, but the team prepared very well for this cup and for this particular match. The boys were mentally ready, and we knew this was a game we had to win,” said Nambandi.
Unam FC progressed after defeating VEN Blue Waters 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Unam FC coach Robert Nauseb described the match as tough and credited his halftime team talk for turning things around.
“I told my boys that nothing would come easy; we just had to dig deep and give everything,” said Nauseb.
Man of the Match awards
On Saturday, Andreas Amunjela of Eleven Arrows earned the award in their match against African Stars, while Elago Simon of FC Ongos was recognised after their win over KK Palace.
On Sunday, Mighty Gunners’ Given Mutuezu claimed the award following their victory over Eeshoke Chula Chula, while Andjengo Lazarus of Blue Waters was named Man of the Match despite his side’s loss to Unam FC.
The Top 8 Cup now heads to Outjo this weekend for the semi-finals, with Unam FC set to face FC Ongos in the first clash, while Eleven Arrows will take on Mighty Gunners in the second semi-final.