Fearless Chula lives up to expectation
NPL football
Eeshoke Chula Chula FC coach John Sikerete has warned that the club will continue to be fearless wherever they play, after their drawn match with champions African Stars on Saturday.
African Stars and Eeshoke Chula Chula’s match in the Debmarine Namibia Premier League on Saturday produced historic scenes, with the Hage Geingob Stadium packed to the rafters.
The newly-promoted NPL newcomers, whose level of support at Oshakati Stadium has amazed and brightened the football fraternity, once again lived up to their growing reputation during the 1-1 draw against the title holders.
The Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium was packed beyond capacity and the football on the pitch ensured that the fans that attended the match were entertained.
The drawn result gave Chula coach John Sikerete renewed confidence, after a buoyant performance from his team.
“I must say the game really went our way, because a draw for us against the champions is very significant.
“I believe African Stars were the team that felt like they lost, and for us it was a win.
“We are really happy for our supporters,, because they always follow us wherever we are going.
“We demonstrate football as we do not hide from who we are and we will play our football even if up against a big team,” Sikerete noted.
Early pressure
The two teams started the match attempting to break the deadlock, with African Stars dominating the attempts on goal.
Chula Chula also looked dangerous going forward, pinning African Stars’ defenders on several occasions in the opening moments.
The visitors grew in confidence as the match progressed, but it was African Stars who drew first blood.
Stars’ veteran Willy Stephanus, leading goal scorer of the previous season, sent the ball intoo the back of the net after the Chula defence was caught napping in the 41st minute.
Stars created chances to extend their lead early in the second half, but their attempts went astray.
Chula Chula upped the tempo, determined to grab an equalizer in the second half.
Their resilience and relentless pressure paid off in the 84th minute following a mix-up in Stars’ defense, which saw Chula’s Joao Bibi grab an equalizer for the northern visitors.
African Stars attempted to salvage a victory in the dying minutes of the match, but it proved too little too late.
African Stars’ Ghanaian head coach Prince George Koffie expressed disappointment following the draw.
“We are disappointed, because I think we played very well and deserved a victory.
“It was just want a moment of mix-up which gave Chula Chula the opportunity to draw level.
“We will however continue to work hard on the errors and also as a team,” Koffie said.
Elsewhere
In other Debmarine Namibia Premiership action on Saturday, Young African got the better of Life Fighters with a 2-1 victory in Otjiwarongo.
Mighty Gunners also overcame Orlando Pirates in a 1-0 win at the SKW Stadium.
On Friday, Ongos FC defeated Unam 3-0 at the Unam Stadium for their fourth win in a row. Tjingee Kapundjiri put the winners ahead after five minutes, before second-half strikes from Junias Theophilus and Nikodemus Haikali put matters beyond doubt.
The newly-promoted NPL newcomers, whose level of support at Oshakati Stadium has amazed and brightened the football fraternity, once again lived up to their growing reputation during the 1-1 draw against the title holders.
The Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium was packed beyond capacity and the football on the pitch ensured that the fans that attended the match were entertained.
The drawn result gave Chula coach John Sikerete renewed confidence, after a buoyant performance from his team.
“I must say the game really went our way, because a draw for us against the champions is very significant.
“I believe African Stars were the team that felt like they lost, and for us it was a win.
“We are really happy for our supporters,, because they always follow us wherever we are going.
“We demonstrate football as we do not hide from who we are and we will play our football even if up against a big team,” Sikerete noted.
Early pressure
The two teams started the match attempting to break the deadlock, with African Stars dominating the attempts on goal.
Chula Chula also looked dangerous going forward, pinning African Stars’ defenders on several occasions in the opening moments.
The visitors grew in confidence as the match progressed, but it was African Stars who drew first blood.
Stars’ veteran Willy Stephanus, leading goal scorer of the previous season, sent the ball intoo the back of the net after the Chula defence was caught napping in the 41st minute.
Stars created chances to extend their lead early in the second half, but their attempts went astray.
Chula Chula upped the tempo, determined to grab an equalizer in the second half.
Their resilience and relentless pressure paid off in the 84th minute following a mix-up in Stars’ defense, which saw Chula’s Joao Bibi grab an equalizer for the northern visitors.
African Stars attempted to salvage a victory in the dying minutes of the match, but it proved too little too late.
African Stars’ Ghanaian head coach Prince George Koffie expressed disappointment following the draw.
“We are disappointed, because I think we played very well and deserved a victory.
“It was just want a moment of mix-up which gave Chula Chula the opportunity to draw level.
“We will however continue to work hard on the errors and also as a team,” Koffie said.
Elsewhere
In other Debmarine Namibia Premiership action on Saturday, Young African got the better of Life Fighters with a 2-1 victory in Otjiwarongo.
Mighty Gunners also overcame Orlando Pirates in a 1-0 win at the SKW Stadium.
On Friday, Ongos FC defeated Unam 3-0 at the Unam Stadium for their fourth win in a row. Tjingee Kapundjiri put the winners ahead after five minutes, before second-half strikes from Junias Theophilus and Nikodemus Haikali put matters beyond doubt.
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