WINDHOEK – Namibia’s best supported football entity African Stars put up a gallant showing and held their own despite tumbling to a 1-0 defeat against the visiting South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the maiden edition of the Dr Hage Geingob Cup, at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium on Sunday.
Going into the match as underdogs, Stars started the encounter like a house on fire with their usual fast-paced style, using the flanks and managing to contain their more fancied opponents in most aspects of the game but a lack of experience failed them in the end.
After exciting box-to-box action for the better part of the opening half, both teams seemed to be heading into changeover with a blank scoreboard, but Sundowns took the lead via an unlikely source.
Giant Zambian shot stopper Kennedy Mwene scored from the penalty spot after Stars captain Pat-Nevin Uanivi was harshly adjudged to have brought down tricky striker Rodney Ramagalela in the penalty box. Mwene, a regular penalty taker with the Chipolopolo, stepped up and made no mistake from the spot – sending his opposite number Max Maeva the wrong way to ensure the Brazilians’ took a slender lead going into the break.
In the 2nd half, Stars coach Woody Jacobs unleashed fresh legs in search of the elusive goal to settle the nerves, but the resolute Sundowns defence stood firm and gave nothing away.
With the introduction of Stars’ find of the season – attacking midfielder McBride Ndjavera and fellow youngster Joslin Kamatuka as well as veteran striker Gazza Kazeurua, the Reds started to gel in the middle of the park and created a few half chances but were however found wanting in the final quarter.
Despite wasting a few half goal-scoring opportunities with both Dennis Tjetjinda and Edwin Korukuve blasting from inviting positions, the hosts rearguard manned by the fast improving Ferdinand Karongee, Tjetjinda, Freedom Puriza and stalwart skipper Uanivi managed to keep Sundowns talisman Teko Modise and his allies Percy Tau, Luyolo Nomandela and Ramagalela at bay with their combative defending.
The last minutes were designed to box-to-box attacking play as both sets of midfielders strung excellent passes together but goals were elusive.
In the curtain raiser, Black Africa defeated Tigers 8-7 via the dreaded penalty shootout after both teams cancelled each other out in a 1-all stalemate in a highly entertaining match.
By Otniel Hembapu