Korona Kielce owner reportedly angered by cup exit and suggests captain substitution

Korona Kielce was eliminated from the STS Puchar Polski after losing to Polonia Warsaw in the round of 16. The match took place at the Konwiktorska stadium in Warsaw, where the visitors struggled to convert chances despite entering as slight favorites.

Polonia Warsaw established a lead with a first-half goal and extended it to 2-0 early in the second half through Kacper Kostorz, a former Korona player. Although Korona responded immediately with a goal, they were unable to equalize before the final whistle.

The match featured notable missed opportunities for Korona, including a close-range effort by captain Mariusz Stepiński in the first half that was saved by goalkeeper Jakub Budnicki. Stepiński was subsequently substituted at halftime, a decision that drew attention given his role as team captain.

Reports indicate that Korona owner Łukasz Maciejczyk became visibly frustrated during the game. According to accounts shared on social media, Maciejczyk suggested the substitution of Stepiński during the break, reflecting the high stakes of the cup competition for the club.

This cup elimination followed closely on the heels of Robert Kolendowicz’s appointment as head coach, which began with a 1-0 league victory over GKS Katowice. The recent results have placed pressure on the team as they look to recover in domestic league play.

Korona Kielce will attempt to bounce back in the Ekstraklasa on Monday when they face Zagłębie Lubin. The match is scheduled for 18:00 and marks the second league game under Kolendowicz’s leadership.