Zambian international Kings Kangwa endured a tough night on Thursday as his club, Hapoel Be’er Sheva, were knocked out of the UEFA Europa League following a penalty shootout defeat to Levski Sofia of Bulgaria.
The tightly contested second-leg tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, forcing extra time and eventually penalties. Unfortunately, Kangwa was one of three Be’er Sheva players who failed to convert from the spot, sealing their exit from the competition.
Full 120 Minutes of Grit and Determination
Kangwa featured for the entire 120 minutes and was at the heart of Be’er Sheva’s midfield engine. The Chipolopolo star worked tirelessly in both attack and defense, seeking the breakthrough that never came. His presence was vital as the team looked for a decisive away goal, but both sides remained deadlocked after two legs.
Kangwa’s Form Still a Positive Sign
Despite the heartbreak, Kangwa’s domestic form remains a beacon of hope for Be’er Sheva fans. Since joining the Israeli Premier League side last year, the former Arsenal Tula midfielder has become a regular starter and fan favorite. His partnership with fellow Zambian Joseph ‘Sabobo’ Banda—who recently joined the club—is expected to add more firepower in midfield.
Next Up: UEFA Conference League
It’s not the end of the road for Be’er Sheva’s European adventure. The Israeli outfit now drops into the UEFA Europa Conference League, where they are set to face Greek giants AEK Athens in the pre-group stage playoffs.
The tie presents another chance for Kangwa and his teammates to impress on the continental stage and redeem themselves after the Europa League exit.
Conclusion
While Thursday’s shootout loss was a painful chapter for Kings Kangwa, the midfielder remains a central figure for both club and country. With the Conference League campaign on the horizon, there is still plenty to fight for—and Zambian fans will continue to rally behind their midfield maestro.
