By MICHAEL MIYOBA
PREMIER Futsal League giants Kabwe K-Line survived what would have been the biggest humiliation in the PFL after edging Monze Goerge 5-4 on penalties.
This was after a 3-3 stalemate in the first round of the Automotive Premier Division semi-final play offs at Automotive Futsal Arena.
Kabwe K-Line who were tipped to win the first round semifinal playoff with ease struggled to stamp their authority on Monze George who were deemed as underdogs but forced the game into extra time before being decided on penalties.
It was one of the most exciting fixture of the season as George displayed what PFL chairman Tarak Mehta described as “jaw dropping” display of futsal.“This was one of the most entertaining games witnessed so far and this is very encouraging for us as PFL because we can see the game growing and moving in the right direction because boys who knew nothing about futsal a few years ago are able to compete with experienced sides such as K-Line and Kitwe Bullets.
“We are excited as PFL because our dream has always been to develop futsal in Zambia and seeing the boys implementing what they learn during practice and giving a team such a Kabwe K-Line a run for their money has motivated us to keep working hard to develop the game further,” Mehta said.
After losing the first round semifinal fixture on penalties, all hope is not lost for Monze George who have another chance to redeem themselves in the second semifinal games played in three stages.
Meanwhile, defending champions Automotive Futsal Academy thumped Chipata Boys 9-0 to increase their chances of retaining the PFL title.
It was the fourth time Chipata Boys lost to the defending champions who celebrated their PFL Cup win over Chipata Boys two weeks ago.
Despite defeat, Chipata Boys are still in the race to qualify for the PFL finals as the semifinals are being played in best of three sets with the winner in the three games marching on to the finals. In round two of the National Division One Futsal League semifinal play offs, Pioneer Avengers redeemed themselves by beating Lilanda Bullets 5-1 after losing the first round semifinal match 5-4.
The winner in next week’s third round semifinal meeting between the two sides will meet Pioneer Avengers or Christian Academy who are enjoying one win each in the semifinal matches being played in best of three sets at Automotive Futsal Arena.
