Goaxas Goal Sends Mighty Gunners Ladies into NFA Cup Semifinals
Mighty Gunners Ladies edged FC Ongos 1-0 with Mariana Goaxas’ injury-time strike to reach the NFA Cup semifinals. The win offered immediate revenge for Gunners after they lost the league title to Ongos by a single point two weeks earlier. The quarterfinal at Outjo was a physical, tightly contested tie decided by one decisive moment and a contentious goal-line call.
Gunners clinch quarter-final victory
Mighty Gunners Ladies progressed to the NFA Cup last four thanks to a first-half injury-time goal that proved to be the difference. The match was marked by strong defensive organization from both sides and intermittent bursts of attacking pressure that failed to produce many clear-cut chances. Gunners celebrated a crucial knockout victory that will fuel confidence heading into the semifinals, where they will meet Windhoek City.
Goaxas bundles decisive ball over the line
Mariana Goaxas supplied the match’s solitary and decisive moment from a corner just before the interval. The ball was bundled toward the goalmouth and, despite an immediate clearance by Ongos defenders, the referee adjudged the ball had crossed the line. That ruling stood and was recorded as the winner, giving Gunners a slim lead they defended for the remainder of the game.
Ongos created the better opportunities but could not convert
Ongos dominated long spells of possession and fashioned several promising openings that went begging. Albertina Aludhilu broke free midway through the first half only to see her effort cannon back off the upright, while midfielder Juliana Blou produced a powerful drive that was well held by Gunners goalkeeper Melissa Matheus. At the other end, Fiola Vliete also struck the woodwork, underscoring how marginal the match remained until the final whistle.
Semifinal draw confirmed for women’s NFA Cup
Gunners will face Windhoek City in one semifinal after Windhoek defeated African Stars Queens 2-0. The City goals came from McLean Tueses and Charlotte Richter, ensuring a competitive tie when they meet the Gunners. The other semifinal will feature Khomas Nampol against Julinho Athletic following contrasting wins for those sides on Saturday.
Khomas Nampol dominant in quarter-final win
Khomas Nampol advanced with a 4-0 victory over Unam Bokkies, asserting control from the outset and carrying a 2-0 lead into halftime. Shipulu Namutenya opened the scoring midway through the first half before Metutjo Tjivikua extended the advantage just before the break. Tjivikua added his second early in the second half to all but settle the contest, and Thomalina Adams wrapped up the scoring in the final quarter to complete a comprehensive win.
Julinho survive penalty shootout after stalemate
Julinho Athletic reached the last four by narrowly edging Nust Babes in a penalty shootout after a goalless 90 minutes. Chances were at a premium during normal play, and the shootout ultimately decided the tie as Nust missed three of their attempts. Julinho held their nerve from the spot to secure progression and will now prepare to face Nampol in the semifinals.
Julinho praise defensive resilience and youth
Julinho midfielder Asteria Angula highlighted the team’s defensive focus as central to their shootout success and expressed excitement about reaching the semis. She noted that Julinho began the league campaign strongly but had struggled to sustain intensity through congested fixtures, leaving fatigue as a factor during the season. Angula credited the squad’s discipline and the coaching staff’s calm guidance for steadying younger players during the high-pressure shootout.
Men’s NFA Cup semifinalists decided at Outjo
The men’s NFA Cup quarterfinals at Outjo produced four semifinalists and a pair of penalty-decided ties. KK Palace secured a 7-2 victory over Square 7 to set up a semifinal against Mighty Gunners after Gunners beat Young Brazilians 2-1. UNAM advanced via penalties against Okamwandi United following a goalless match, while Okahandja United overcame Rundu Chiefs in a shootout that ended 7-6 after a 1-1 draw.
Tight margins underline knockout competition
Across both the men’s and women’s quarterfinals, narrow margins and shootouts underlined how finely balanced the NFA Cup has become. Several ties required penalties to separate teams, and match-winning moments often came from individual initiative or marginal decisions. The tournament’s knockout format has produced tense encounters that test depth, concentration and composure under pressure.
The NFA Cup semifinals will now bring together the remaining sides in fixtures that promise renewed intensity and strategic adjustments, as each team recalibrates after the quarterfinal drama. The upcoming matches represent a pivotal late-season opportunity for silverware and for players to stake claims for further honors.
