WINDHOEK – MTC Premiership early pace-setters Tigers maintained their 100% run with a comprehensive 4-2 win over struggling Ramblers at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Friday.
Tigers’ inspirational Zimbabwean import Protest Kabwe netted a well taken goal bolstered by a goal apiece by leading goal scorer Pandu Nekundi, Papi Nafatli and Benson Shilongo, to propel the well placed log leaders to their 5th straight win.
Ramblers’ pocket size winger Donovan Swartz initially brought the teams on level terms with a clinical finish with Bruce Goseb later pulling back a consolation goal for the out of sorts Tunshel Street Boys in the dying minutes of the match to make it 4-2.
The victory kept Ingweinyama firmly in the driving seat with a maximum 15 points from their opening five matches since the start of the current term in a weekend that saw their title rivals stumble against lesser opponents.
African Stars’ title aspirations took a slight dent that could come back to haunt them big time when the title is decided at the end of the season. The Reds were brought down heavily to Mother Earth by traditional rivals LHU Blue Waters at the Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay on Saturday,
Buoyed by a vociferous crowd clad in the red, blue and white regalia of their favourite team as supporters flocked into the Kuisebmond Stadium en masse, Stars responded in the most appropriate fashion when they opened the score through stocky winger Meraai Swartbooi.
However, Nigerian striker Edom Domic netted the equalizing goal before Balack Somaeb gifted the hosts a 2-1 lead going into the halftime break. The enterprising Somaeb completed his brace from the penalty spot midway through the second half to all but put the result to bed.
Going into the match as underdogs, the seasiders produced one of their finest displays in a long time when they easily waltzed past their old foes via a convincing 3-1 triumph over their much-fancied landlocked opponents.
Tura Magic’s fairytale run was brought to an abrupt end by Dawid Snewe’s fast improving United Stars in the second of a double header played at the Rundu Stadium on Saturday. Edison Kauanivi opened the floodgates in the 32nd minute. The speedy winger punished a hesitant defence to put the hosts ahead before further goals by Eric Horaseb (62nd min.) and Thomas Muketiwa (67th min.) completed the riot. Rundu Chiefs and FNB Orlando Pirates cancelled each other out in a 1-all stalemate in the curtain raiser.
Elsewhere, Civics kept their impressive form intact with a hard fought 1-0 win against league rookies PC Blue Boys at the Vineta Stadium. Pinehas Ncewe’s lone strike in the first half separated the two teams.
The maximum 3 points moved the Civilians into joint 2nd place alongside Black Africa and Orlando Pirates on 10 points each – 5 points off the pace – but BA have a better goal difference followed by Civics and Pirates in that order.
Reigning Namibian champions Black Africa scraped to a 2-1 win over visiting Eleven Arrows at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek. BA took a 2-goal cushion via an own goal with Klaas Blom adding the 2nd before Arrows pulled back a late face-saver to salvage some fading pride.
By Carlos Kambaekwa