… BA haul in Tigers
WINDHOEK – The race for the coveted MTC Premiership intensified after title-chasing African Stars and Tigers suffered shock defeats at the hands of lowly opposition when the country’s flagship league resumed over the weekend – thus allowing Black Africa to close the gap.
Needing victory to topple log leaders Tigers from the summit, Stars were humbled by a determined Tura Magic. Timo Tjongarero’s youthful outfit showed very little respect if any for their more fancied opponents and deservedly emerged 3-1 winners putting a serious dent on the Reds’ title aspirations.
Goals from Papi Kavezembi, Itamunua Keimuine and Stars transfer target Neville Tjiueza netted for Magic, while veteran midfielder Ninja Karongee pulled a consolation back for Stars.
Undisputed Namibian champions Black Africa returned to where they rightfully belong as the Gemengde-based outfit moved into joint first place alongside Tigers with a hard fought 2-1 win over Dawid Snewe’s stubborn United Stars in the first of a double header at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday.
Brian Isaacs’ charges came from a goal behind to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat after Alfeus Ngwezi had put the visitors ahead following a defensive lapse. Diminutive dreadlocked striker Muna Katupose brought the teams on level terms before the break and new boy Steven Sabatha sealed the win with a well-taken 2nd half strike (2-1).
Tigers suffered their second loss of the season – going down 3-2 to traditional rivals LHU Blue Waters in an entertaining 5-goal thriller at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday.
Playing under the guidance of new caretaker coach and former striker Paulus ‘Wire’ Shipanga, who took over the reins from his departed namesake Lucky, the former Bidvest Wits University often-volatile striker seems to have instilled a new lease of life into the formerly struggling seasiders as the team played with more confidence and gusto.
Midfielder Manfred Kazondume, recently signed from lower division outfit Spoilers FC, put the visiting Birds ahead with Ballack Somaeb and Nigerian import Dominique Edom scoring a goal apiece to give the coastal outfit a rare victory in as many league outings. Naftalie Petrus and Kamushasha Iimbodi were on target for Inweinyama.
Rundu Chiefs remained stuck in the basement after going 2-1 down against the visiting PC Blue Waters, while Ali Akan’s FNB Orlando Pirates dispatched Eleven Arrows 2-1 at the Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay on Saturday.
Nicky Musambani and Imbert Isaacks scored on either side of play for the triumphant Buccaneers while defender Wilson van Staden netted for the hosts in the dying minutes of the match. In other action, Ramblers and Civics cancelled each other out in a 1-al1 stalemate at the Sam Nujoma Stadium last Thursday.
By Carlos Kambaekwa