Napsa Stars 2 – 2 Gor Mahia (Austin Banda 18′, Emmanuel Mayuka 90+ | Onyango 16′, Miheso 19′) [Agg: 3-2]
2012 Africa Cup of Nations golden boot winner Emmanuel Mayuka scored a penalty with the last shot of the game to send Napsa Stars to the group stage of the 2020/21 CAF Confederation Cup as the pensioners drawing 2 – 2 n the day and qualifying via a 3 – 2 aggregate scoreline.
It was a pulsating game that Gor Mahia controlled for long portions and deservedly led at half time but they resolve to seat back and to protect their lead in the second half backfired after conceding a penalty in the fourth minute of added on time.
Mohamed Fathi made only one change to the team that picked maximum points in Nairobi bringing in Bornwell Mwape for Laudit Mavugo at the tip of the attack.
However, the visitors dominated the opening exchanges and were finding a lot of space in the middle of the pack while Mwape struggled to impose himself in the final third.
In what was a ‘crazy’ three minutes, Gor Mahia took the lead when Samuel Onyango volleyed home from outside the box leaving Rabson Muchelenganga with no chance in the 16th minute.
Napsa went straight into attack from the restart and Danny Silavwe out-muscled his marker on the right side to turn back and square the ball into the box. The cross fell kindly for Austin Banda who was arriving at the back post and guided the ball beyond the visitors goalkeeper Otieno for the equalizer in the 18th minute.
Ko Galo were determined to turn around the tables and they were back in attack a minute later. Clifton Miheso took advantage of some loose marking with another well taken shot from outside the box that beat Muchelenganga to come off the upright and into the net for their second.
From then on, the visitors controlled the game but decided to put the handbrake in the second half.
Napsa continued to probe but they were missing chance after chance with the Kenyan outfit looking very dangerous on the counter attack which they failed to take advantage of.
Substitute and U20 international Jimmy Mukeya looked brilliant and was causing havoc with Jacob Ngulube and Austin Banda. In the last minute of added on time, Mukeya played a one – two in the box but was brought down by a reckless challenge by leaving the referee with no option but to point to the spot.
Mayuka picked the ball and kept his composure despite the antics by the Gor Mahia players to score with virtually the last kick of the game.
The result sees Napsa extend their unbeaten run in the competition to six games as they qualify to the group stage on their debut Africa.
Napsa Stars XI
Rabson Muchelenganga, Bornwell Silengo, David Owino, Amos Simwanza, Luka Banda, Dickson Chapa (C), Daniel Adoko (Aaron Kabwe 64′), Jacob Ngulube, Danny Silavwe (Jimmy Mukeya 64′), Austin Banda, Bornwell Mwape (Emmanuel Mayuka 40′)
A big congratulations