Awillo leads Stars to NFA Cup glory
Football
Extra time was needed for the league title holders to overcome the stubborn challenge from the Karasburg team.
In a thrilling final at the Windhoek Independence Stadium on Saturday, African Stars FC emerged victorious as the 2024 PstBet NFA Cup champions after a drama-filled and hard-fought 2-1 victory over Young Brazilians FC in extra time.Willy Stephanus (Awillo) was the star of the match, scoring both goals for African Stars. The opening goal came in the 22nd minute via a penalty, putting Stars ahead 1-0 at halftime.
Young Brazilians had several chances to equalize, but failed to capitalize until the 80th minute. A high ball from Christinus found Quinton van Staden, who expertly slotted it past the goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1, sending the game into extra time.
With the game seemingly heading towards penalties, Stephanus struck again. In the 21st minute of extra time, he delivered a stunning free-kick to secure a 2-1 victory for African Stars.
The champions walked away with a prize of N$500 000, while the worthy runners-up, Young Brazilians, took N$250 000 back to Karasburg.
Khomas Nampol clinches third place
In the battle for third place, Khomas Nampol defeated Chula Chula 3-2 in an exciting match. Absalom Iimbondi scored once, and George Frans added a brace for Khomas Nampol.
Johannes Baziliu and Michael Jonas netted for Chula Chula, who took home N$50 000. Khomas Nampol's victory earned them N$100 000.
Ongos Ladies crowned women's champions
Ongos Ladies FC triumphed in the women's final, defeating Khomas Nampol Ladies 2-1. The champions were awarded N$250 000, while Khomas Nampol Ladies received N$120 000.
In the women's third-place playoff, Beauties FC defeated NUST Babes 3-0. Beauties FC received N$70,000, while NUST Babes took home N$40,000.
Individual Honours: Men
Player of the tournament: Quinton van Staden (Young Brazilians FC) took the reward of N$20 000.
Top Goal Scorer: Shaun Rugam (Unam FC), with seven goals, received N$15 000.
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Ndisiro Kamaijanda (African Stars) with three clean sheets in 5 games (N$15 000).
Women's Awards
Player of the tournament: Lydiana Nanamus (Ongos Ladies).
Top goal-scorer: Ivone Kooper (Ongos Ladies FC), 8 goals in 4 matches.
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Fenny Mwalunga (Khomas Nampol Ladies), conceding only one goal in three matches.
Refereeing excellence
The tournament also recognized officiating excellence, with Naftal Negongo named referee of the tournament and Agustinus Eveline as the assistant referee of the tournament.
The PstBet NFA Cup 2024 showcased thrilling football action, individual brilliance and exemplary sportsmanship, marking another successful chapter in Namibian football.