civics 1 stars 0
29.06.2008 Cortesy by Namibiasport
Civics won the MTC NFA Cup after a great freekick by their captain Floris Diergaardt in the 70th minute.
In an otherwise dull and typical hard fought final, Diergaardt's flash of brilliance seperated the evenly balanced teams.
African Stars had the better chances in the first half, with Silver Suriyari coming close twice. He first headed over from an Edison Muheua cross, and then forced a great save by Civics keeper Esau Tjiuoro when he burst into the box.
For Civics, Patrick Mkontwana and Erastus Ndjavera both had chances, but Stars wasted the best chance when Getzen Ndjiharine headed over from a Muheua cross.
Tjiuoro pulled off another fine save at the feet of Ninja Karongee at the start of the second half but Civics started attacking more.
Floris Diergaardt wet down in the penalty box after bursting through but referee Reinhold Shikongo waved play on.
Civics' pressure however paid off when they won a freekick 20m out to the right of Stars' goal. Diergaardt stepped up and shot a great freekick past the wall and into the near corner of the net. Stars pushed hard at the end in search of an equaliser but Civics' defence stood firm. When the final whistle went Civics' players, officials and fans started celebrating gleefully while Stars' fans - by far the majority of the 5 000 crowd - started drifting home.
For Civics it was a hard fought victory over a long road. In the semifinals they overcame Ramblers on penalties after being reduced to nine men and the two red carded players Eslin Kamuhanga and Sedekia Haukambe sat out Saturday's final.



