Chula Chula takes Geingob Cup home
Football
In an entertaining match, African Stars were unable to wrest back the trophy one final time.
Eeshoke Chula Chula produced an emphatic 2-0 win over African Stars to win the Hage Geingob Cup at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium on Saturday.Three football matches were played in the 10th and final edition of the Hage Geingob Cup. All players wore black armbands in honour of the late president who died earlier this year.
The big winners of the day were Eeshoke Chula Chula that successfully defended the Cup after mastering a talented African Stars outfit in a thrilling match.
African Stars started the match controlling the possession, while Chula Chula was playing on the break.
George Marselinu opened the northern visitors' account with a cool finish in the first half.
Stars tried pushing men forward in an attempt to get an equalizer.
The first half ended 1-0, with the Chula Chula crowd making the most noise.
The second half saw Chula Chula extending their lead early through Eliakim Jackson, giving them a two-goal cushion.
Stars made several attempts to come back, but goalkeeper John Muronga was on form and made some vital saves to deny any of African Stars’ opportunities to score.
Stars talisman Willy Stephanus had a chance to give his side a lifeline with less than 15 minutes remaining, but missed a crucial penalty.
Chula Chula coach John Sikerete lauded the team for the effort.
"It was a great performance from the players and we used our strong points to win this one.
"The entire player squad were really great today and that is why Stars failed to beat us.
"I want to thank the football fans that came in their numbers to support the team," Sikerete said.
It was the second time Chula Chula beat African Stars in the Hage Geingob Cup after announcing themselves with a 1-0 result last year.
African Stars team manager Lesley Kozonguizi said they will now shift focus on to defence of their premier league title, starting soon.
“Well it was not our day and I guess we will have to go back to the drawing board and focus on defending the league,” Kozonguizi said.
In other action Ongos Ladies FC defeated Julinho Athletics 3-1 on penalties to win the women's category following a 0-0 draw in normal time.
The two teams played what was described a flat match as both sets of players displayed low levels of fitness.
Julinho Athletics at times looked the better side, but could not stop Ongos from taking the cup.
"It was not an easy match for us but we came out victorious despite the challenges we faced in the game," Ongos coach Shams Gure said.
The first match of the day saw MTC Omake Celebrity team beating NBL Danger Point Celebrity team 7-6 on penalties, following a 3-3 draw in normal time.
The competition also saw various performances from local artists which included the likes of Tate Buti, Sunny Boy, ACM and many more.