The Pensioners are through to the ABSA Cup Semi-final round after eliminating Super League side Green Buffalos FC 7-6 on post-match penalties.
This is the second time Napsa Stars are defeating GBFC in the same round of the similar competition following their 2017 encounter when the competition was called the Barclays Cup.
And NAPSA Stars FC Team Head Coach Perry Mutapa has described the victory as big despite adding that his side did not play their usual game.
The game which was played at Arthur Davis Stadium in Kitwe last Saturday, ended 1-1 after regulation time with GBFC taking their lead in the 10th minute through a Martin Njovbu strike.
It was Simon Nkhata that restored hopes for the Perry Mutapa’s coached side in the 30th minute when he scored in close range from a Chaniza Zulu cross after beating GBFC defenders.
Both teams missed a number of good chances in regulation time until the match was to be decided on post-match penalties.
The Pensioners took their penalties through Musonda Kapembwa, David Odhiambo, Joseph Lungu, Daniel Adoko, Simon Nkhata, Luka Banda, Thomas Banda and Luka Nguni who had his penalty saved.
Napsa Stars FC goalkeeper Rodwell Mukwanya was undoubtedly the hero of the day when he saved two penalties taken by GBFC’s Kapota Kayawe and Emmanuel Museka to see Napsa carry the day.
Jack Chirwa, Gideon Sichone, Lucky Bwalya, Chilimba Moonga, John Josamu and Robin Siame managed to convert their penalties for GBFC.
Coach Perry added in his post match interview that the victory has given his side some motivation going forward, but was quick to add that the team needs to push more in the coming matches.
The Pensioners will face Kitwe giants Nkana FC in their semi-final fixture slated for April 2 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
“We are pushing to go back to the Super League, this is a good motivation for us,” Coach Perry added.
And GBFC coach Chinama said the result was disappointing from his side.
The Pensioner’s next fixture is a league match against Jumulo FC at Woodlands Stadium this Saturday.
