OTJIWARONGO - African Stars head coach Mervin Mbakera on Saturday said they are determined to maintain their momentum and achieve their goal of winning the league.
He said this after Stars secured a convincing 3-1 victory away from home against Life Fighters at the Mokati stadium in Otjiwarongo, extending their lead at the top of the table to 22 points. Willy Stephanus, Gunzo Salzar and Edmar Kamatuka scored for Stars, while an own goal by Edmundo Kambanda registered a goal for the host team.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Mbakera acknowledged that the match against Fighters was challenging and very tactical.
“It was a tough match in which we needed to pull up our game but, however, congratulations to African Stars for the well-deserved victory away from home. I think the players did what they could and brought their A-game which eventually yielded maximum points,” he said.
Mbakera emphasised that they continue to stick to their mission of playing in the Caf Champions League.
“For us to reach the Champions League means we have to win the league, and winning the league means games should be won and that’s the core goal. So, we will continue keeping up the same energy in every game that we will play.”
Meanwhile, Fighters’ newly-signed Nigerian defender Akpe Kelvin said the game was intense and that a few mistakes cost them dearly.
“I believe the intensity of the game was very high as both teams played a very good game. But I believe we should have won the game if it wasn’t for the small errors which cost us points as a team. I believe that we will go back and work on our mistakes and bounce back as a team,” he said.
Fighters remain in second place with 15 points, while Blue Waters remain in third place after collecting a point at home during their 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates.
In other matches on Saturday, Julinho Sporting defeated Young Brazilian 3-1 at home, while Black Africa and Tura Magic played to a 2-2 draw.
The match between Eleven Arrows and Tigers ended in a 0-0 draw, while the match between Civics and Okahandja United was abandoned due to heavy rain.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na