Shipanga accepts cup exit
There was a goal drought despite the rainy weather at the Sam Nujoma Stadium as Black Africa, Tigers, Tura Magic and African Stars all failed to find the back of the net in the allotted 90 minutes.
Black Africa coach Paulus Shipanga says he has no one to blame for his team's semi-final exit in the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup on Saturday.
The league leaders lost 4-2 on penalties to Tigers after their second-leg match ended 0-0.
The two teams went into the game level at 0-0 after a first the first leg ended in a goalless draw about two weeks ago. Black Africa showed character despite being a man down after their goalkeeper was sent off in the first half for a ruthless tackle.
BA had most of the goal-scoring chances while Tigers also missed an opportunity to win the match in open play. Tigers goalkeeper Immanuel Immanuel was the hero of the day after saving two penalty kicks, which earned him the man of the match award.
“I can't really say much because the tactics from our opponents worked and ours did not,” Shipanga said.
“To be honest, it was end-to-end football since our first leg in Walvis Bay.
“It was difficult for us in Walvis Bay and I am sure it was difficult for them too.
“Coming to Windhoek also proved difficult for us because we had to play the match with ten men,” Shipanga added.
Tigers coach Oubaas Mokwena lauded his team for beating Black Africa but also praised Black Africa for showing heart with 10 men.
“I must compliment my boys because they fought a really good fight against a strong Black Africa.
“For me, the most important thing in this match was the quality of football and it was evident over both legs of the tie.
“I am happy to be in the final and now it is up to us to be ready,” Mokwena said.
In the other match, African Stars advanced to the final of the competition following a 0-0 draw against Tura Magic on Saturday night.
Stars won the first-leg match 1-0, which meant that they just needed a goalless draw this weekend.
Tura Magic showed character with a solid performance from centre back Charles Hambira that earned him the man of the match award.
But the team was disappointed when Junius Theophilus hit the crossbar in the first few minutes of the match.
All in all, it was a match of minimal chances with both sets of defenders doing most of the job for their goalkeepers.
African Stars will now meet Tigers in the final of the competition.
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
The league leaders lost 4-2 on penalties to Tigers after their second-leg match ended 0-0.
The two teams went into the game level at 0-0 after a first the first leg ended in a goalless draw about two weeks ago. Black Africa showed character despite being a man down after their goalkeeper was sent off in the first half for a ruthless tackle.
BA had most of the goal-scoring chances while Tigers also missed an opportunity to win the match in open play. Tigers goalkeeper Immanuel Immanuel was the hero of the day after saving two penalty kicks, which earned him the man of the match award.
“I can't really say much because the tactics from our opponents worked and ours did not,” Shipanga said.
“To be honest, it was end-to-end football since our first leg in Walvis Bay.
“It was difficult for us in Walvis Bay and I am sure it was difficult for them too.
“Coming to Windhoek also proved difficult for us because we had to play the match with ten men,” Shipanga added.
Tigers coach Oubaas Mokwena lauded his team for beating Black Africa but also praised Black Africa for showing heart with 10 men.
“I must compliment my boys because they fought a really good fight against a strong Black Africa.
“For me, the most important thing in this match was the quality of football and it was evident over both legs of the tie.
“I am happy to be in the final and now it is up to us to be ready,” Mokwena said.
In the other match, African Stars advanced to the final of the competition following a 0-0 draw against Tura Magic on Saturday night.
Stars won the first-leg match 1-0, which meant that they just needed a goalless draw this weekend.
Tura Magic showed character with a solid performance from centre back Charles Hambira that earned him the man of the match award.
But the team was disappointed when Junius Theophilus hit the crossbar in the first few minutes of the match.
All in all, it was a match of minimal chances with both sets of defenders doing most of the job for their goalkeepers.
African Stars will now meet Tigers in the final of the competition.
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
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