WINDHOEK – History was repeated when the MTC Premiership potential title decider between Katutura heavyweights Orlando Pirates and African Stars ended prematurely as a result of a power outage.
The midweek clash, which was billed as a potential league title decider never, failed to live up to its top billing – producing fireworks from Ali Akan’s fired-up young brigade.
The Ghosts were on top of their game and took a comfortable 2-goal cushion going into the break with two equally world-class goals via the educated boots of Nicky Musambani and veteran centre back Brian Gurirab.
The latter has certainly raised his hand for his long overdue return to the Brave Warriors setup with his near faultless display in as many games, sending a signal to Warriors mentor Ricardo Mannetti to ignore him at his own peril. Such was Pirates’ dominance that had it been a boxing bout the referee would have been obliged to stop the contest on a technical knockout (TKO).
The Buccaneers were in full control of the proceedings until a technological failure intervened when the floodlights at the Sam Nujoma Stadium went out – prompting the neutral fan to tease the Stars faithful that the Reds got a timely reprieve by the bell.
Exactly 39 years ago, Stars and Black Africa were deadlocked in the semifinal of a local knockout tourney organized by Flames FC at the old Municipal Stadium. With eleven minutes left on the clock, Stars were awarded a direct free kick just outside the penalty box but BA would have none of that – vehemently disputing the referee’s call until darkness set in.
The rain-soaked match was rescheduled for the following morning with the scoreboard and the remaining minutes intact (1-1). Stars scored from the resultant free kick through defender Kierie Tjituaiza to win the tie and progressed to the final.
Pressed to shed light on Wednesday’s abbreviated match, officials at the NPL ducked legitimate questions and would not reveal what action would be taken. Charismatic NPL Chairman Johnny Doeseb said the league would pronounce itself on the issue later today.
It remains to be seen as to how the country’s flagship league will interpret the rules pertaining to matches ending prematurely as a result of external forces or unforeseen disruptions such as a power outage or bad weather.
By Carlos Kambaekwa