Kabwe Warriors coach George Chilufya was left shocked when his side was eliminated from the ABSA Cup at the pre-quarterfinal stage by National League club Chirundu United.
Chirundu beat Warriors 4-3 on penalties after bouncing back from a 2-0 deficit at half time to force a 2-2 draw at Nkoloma Stadium in Chelston.
In a post-match interview, Chilufya said he was reluctant to accept the defeat and the elimination from the ABSA Cup.
“I think it is difficult to accept such a defeat especially when we were leading 2-0. Just after the break we gave away a cheap goal. We thought we needed a cushion goal, but we ended up conceding again. Unfortunately, we did not defend well,” Chilufya said.
He said Warriors will now shift attention to the Super League.
“Football being what it is, we just have to accept defeat. We now have the Super League to focus on. It is difficulty to access this result, but we have to move on,” Chilufya said.
Chirundu coach Caston Chilekwa branded their giant killing feat as memorable.
“We had just given Kabwe Warriors so much respect in the first half and that is why we allowed two goals in the first half but at half time we emphasised to the boys to have a different character,” Chilekwa said.
“Winning against Kabwe Warriors is a big achievement and something memorable for Chirundu United to reach the quarterfinals,” he said.
Chirundu have marched to the quarterfinals where they will face Zanaco, who edged Kafue Celtic 2-1 in the other last sixteen match at Nkoloma Stadium.
Other quarterfinalists include Mighty Mufulira Wanderers, Power Dynamos, Nchanga Rangers and FC Muza.
Watching Celtics, Nampundwe and the Boarder boys speaks volumes of why the Chipolopolo are struggling in major tournaments. The ‘small teams played football the league teams labored we need more tournaments that can expose the talent out there and begin to grow our national team and even the super league….
The Magnificent need a trophy!