OSHAKATI – Young Chiefs secured three vital points to cement their place on top of the MTC North First Division, after defeating their rivals Golden Bigs who are second on the log by 2-1 in a feisty Oshakati derby on Sunday.
Golden Bigs took an early lead through Amadhila “Kama” Beatus who tapped the ball into an empty net after Chiefs’ rearguard failed to clear their line.
Golden Bigs could have doubled their lead before half time through Beatus but his shot was saved by the Chiefs goalkeeper.
Nuuyoma “Koppe” Castro equalized 10 minutes before half time to keep the derby on stalemate at changeover.
Tempers flared and flying tackles decorated the Northern derby, with most of the battle fought in the midfield. With supporters on the edge of their seats, the derby seemingly was headed for a draw, until Haufiku Kundumo grabbed an 85th minute winner when he fired a cracking shot into the roof of the net after a schoolboy error by the Bigs goalkeeper.
Bigs had a couple of chances in the dying minutes of the game but all their efforts proved fruitless as Chiefs goalkeeper had answers to everything thrown in his direction. With Sunday’s result, Chiefs remain on top with 19 points, followed by Bigs in second place with a fine margin of 18 points.
Meanwhile, the visiting teams were treated to an early Christmas party as both Life Fighters and Black Africa Warriors collected maximum points over the weekend. Fighters defeated Ogono Unam by 3-0 before brushing aside Onambula FC by 2-1 to end their weekend on a high, while Warriors won both its games after beating Onambula 3-0 and Ogono Unam by 2-1.
Elsewhere, the weather did not have mercy on Onambula United as they had to relocate from their home ground due to a waterlogged pitch, and had to play their match in Oshakati, leaving the Tsandi boys without home ground advantage as they failed to collect a single point.
Young Stars managed to collect one point when they lost to Bigs 2-1 before scraping a 2-all draw against KK Palace, while Ogono Unam failed to collect points over the weekend. KK Palace continued their fine form by defeating Young Chiefs 2-1 only to be held by Young Stars 2-2 on Sunday.
By Shipi Elago