Naughty Boys taste victory in Selati Cup quarter-finals after shoot-out
A tough match between the Block A Naughty Boys and Shongwe Chiefs came down to who was the best at penalty kicks.
With no defending champion to fight for this year’s Selati Cup title, the run to the tourney’s final has became one of the most brutal and exciting in recent years.
This past weekend four teams made it to the semi-finals, but it was not easy sealing the deal for any of them.
On Sunday afternoon Block A Naughty Boys were up against a determined and organised Shongwe Chiefs. Block A Naughty Boys dominated the opening minutes of the first half, creating the most threats and showing the most attacks. They also dominated ball possession in the midfield and ensured that there were fewer problems for their goalkeeper.
Only 10 minutes into the match, Block A Naughty Boys showed their determination to win with an impressive attempt at goal taken from a strike right outside Shongwe Chiefs’ box.
The Shongwe Chiefs’ defenders were not allowing Block A Naughty boys to have it easy, the defence was vicious yet disciplined. From the backline players to the goalkeeper, they all had their eyes on the ball every time Block A Naughty Boys tired to put it past them.
Just before the half-time interval players from both sides were already on yellow cards in the referee’s book for foul play. The teams went into half-time with the match having produced no goals but plenty of action.
When the action resumed, it was as if coaches had shared their game plan with one another, no side was clumsy enough to make a mistake which would set them a goal down and force them to chase the game.
Players from both sides thrilled supporters during the second half with a display of soccer skills and ball handling skills.
After failing to score points in the given 90 minutes, the teams went on to decide the winner of the encounter on penalties.
Block A Naughty Boys proved that they deserved to continue in the tournament when they trashed Shongwe Chiefs 4-1 in the penalty shoot-out.
RCL Foods’ Kenneth Phiri is very impressed with the tournament and the overwhelming support it has received from the community this year. “The 10th edition of the Selati Cup has been a great success, and has also been a lot of learning as to how we can continue running it even better. Seeing the stadiums packed to capacity, and the roads being blocked off as a result of supporters coming to watch their teams, is really humbling and we really appreciate this support.”
With regard to the matches, Phiri requested that supporters respect the decisions by the referees. as they are qualified officials.
Other teams that made it to the semi-finals were Mashaba United who narrowly escaped against Steenbok Classic by 2-1. Sambo Block B also just made it past Schuzendal IX Experience with a 2-1 scoreline, KaMhlushwa Real Madrid have become the favourites of many supporters and put up a good show against Block C Blue Birds with a 3-0 win.
Read about the previous Selati Cup matches and find results:
Teams give it their all to reach last 16 in Selati Cup
Magogeni United thrash Polar Arsenal
Photos: Title chase in Selati Cup gains momentum
Tough loss in Selati Cup for Langeloop Real Blue Crane
Naughty boys defend their Selati Cup title
