OTJIWARONGO – The hand of nature struck once again this time in the form of relentless rain, playing havoc with the title aspirations of undisputed Namibian champions Black Africa in what was meant to be a potentially crucial MTC Premiership encounter against hosts Mighty Gunners.
The match, slated for the Mokati Stadium in Otjiwarongo, saw the visitors open the scoreboard midway through the opening half via the boot of lanky striker Kumbee Katjiteo.
The star-studded Gemengde outfit, which paraded newly acquired goatee-bearded veteran midfielder Heini Isaacks in their starting lineup, looked destined for a comfortable victory until the rain intervened – forcing the tie to be prematurely abbreviated at halftime because of a heavily waterlogged pitch.
At the Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay, MTC Premiership runaway log leaders African Stars surrendered a one-goal cushion to share the spoils with old foes LHU Blue Waters.
Veteran dreadlocked defender and prodigal son Freedom Puriza marked his return to domestic football with a first-half strike, which was duly cancelled out by Mathew Halupe to give the teams a share of the spoils.
Staying at sea level, Tura Magic defeated Eleven Arrows 3-2 and Civics got the better of the proceedings – waltzing past United Stars via the boot of Jaarurako Seun Uahupirapi’s sole strike in Rundu.
In Tsumeb, Absalom Limbodi netted once again to steer title-chasing Tigers to a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over struggling Benfica.
Touch & Go recorded a comprehensive 3-1 home win over fellow league rookies Rebels and Julihno maximized home ground advantage with distinction by dispatching high-flying Citizens 2-1.
FNB Orlando Pirates and Unam cancelled each other out in a dull goalless draw.
In yesterday’s action log leaders Stars were held to an uninspiring 1-all stalemate by hosts Eleven Arrows, while Civics continued their impressive form of late scoring three unanswered goals to thrash a hapless Julihno in Rundu. A goal apiece by Leroy Adams, Wangu Gomes and Erwin Afrikaner did the trick for the fast-improving Civilians.
Bobby Samaria’s fired-up Tigers strengthened their slim title hopes by demolishing relegation certainties Touch & Go 3-0.
Elsewhere, Benfica all but kissed goodbye to topflight football next season after the basement dwellers lost to fellow newcomers Rebels by a solitary goal.
Mighty Gunners saw off Unam 3-0.
Former Blue Waters blue-eyed boy Aramando Pedro got his coaching reign off to a great start by steering the Birds to a hard-fought 1-0 win over a stubborn Tura Magic.
Nigerian import Edom Dominique netted the only goal of the match in the first half. Citizens beat United Stars 2-1.