Namport: FC were crowned champions of the Kunene Second Division NFA Cup Preliminary competition on Sunday after defeating Pubs FC 1-0 in the final played at Etoshapoort Stadium in Outjo.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the victory capped an impressive run for !Ugab FC during the weekend-long tournament and secured the club a place in the national NFA Cup Proper, where they will represent the Kunene Region.

!Ugab FC began their campaign in the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sixty Eleven on Saturday. In the quarter-finals, the side faced tournament favourites Kunene NamPol in one of the competition's most dramatic encounters. The match ended goalless in regulation time before !Ugab FC triumphed 8-7 in a penalty shoot-out to book their place in the semi-finals.

!Ugab FC chairperson and club owner Esmeralda Marina !Aibes said the triumph was a reward for years of sacrifice and determination. 'We started this competition with only 13 players and had to play four matches, but the boys never gave up. They fought for each other and did not concede a single goal throughout the tournament,' she said. '!As a club owner, I invested a lot of energy and finances into this team, and to qualify for the NFA Cup Proper after only four years since the club's establishment is something very special,' !Aibes added.

Other Round of 16 results saw Aweh United defeat Etosha United 1-0, while Green Dangers overcame Epupa Zebra Stars 3-1. Kunene NamPol also progressed after defeating Okarindi Komutati 3-1. In the quarter-finals, Pubs FC defeated Young Eagles 4-1, while Outjo Football Academy secured a 2-0 victory over Robber Chanties. Green Dangers continued their strong form with a 4-1 win over Aweh United.

The semi-finals played on Sunday saw Pubs FC face Outjo Football Academy, while Green Dangers took on !Ugab FC for a place in the final. The competition formed part of the NFA Cup Preliminary programme aimed at identifying the regional representative for the national NFA Cup Proper. The final four teams in the competition were Pubs FC, Outjo Football Academy, Green Dangers and !Ugab FC.