African Stars, the defending champions of the Debmarine Premier League, delayed their title march after playing to a 0-all draw against close rival Ongos FC at Independence stadium in the capital.

Yesterday’s results mean Stars remained on 61 points, while their closest challengers Ongos stayed on 58 points, whilst Khomas Nampol, who also failed to capitalise on their opportunity by playing to a 1-1 draw against Civics, remained on 56 points with a game to spare.  

By default, Stars have already won the title, even if Ongos win their last match against Gobabis- based outfit Young African (YA). Stars now have the upper hand against the two challengers Khomas Nampol and Ongos, who have a lower goal difference compared to them. 

All three teams entered the weekend fixtures with equal hopes and opportunities to claim the title, with Stars holding 57 points, Ongos with 56 points, and Nampol with 55 points. However, Khomas Nampol played on Thursday, facing Tigers who defeated them 2-1. Meanwhile, Ongos, with a chance to take the lead on Friday, missed their opportunity, settling for a 0-all draw against Orlando Pirates.

The match was mostly dominated by Ongos after getting various chances in both halves that they couldn’t convert. Speaking after the match, African Stars' captain Ronald Ketjijere said he was happy content with the result. “Indeed, Ongos came out strong, and they needed to win to remain in contention and to fight for the title. Heading forward, we just need a draw to seal the league,” he enthused. 

Also speaking to the media after the game, Efraim Tjihonge, the assistant coach of FC Ongos, said it's not the result they wished for, but overall he is satisfied. “We are proud of the boys and their performance today and throughout the season, and we look forward to the last match.”

In other games elsewhere, Eeshoke Chula Chula, who hosted relegation bound Life Fighters, claimed maximum points after defeating the visitors with a convincing 3-1 score, while Julinho Sporting beat coastal outfit Blue Waters by 1-0 to successfully move out of the relegation zone with a total of 28 points. Meanwhile, Gobabis-based outfit YA recorded a second loss of the weekend with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Orlando Pirates. Pirates remain in the relegation zone with 26 points, with a game to go.  Meanwhile, Unam edged Mighty Gunners 2-0 at home. Karasburg-based team Young Brazilian also collected maximum points after beating Tigers 1-0, and they now have 35 points on the log standing.

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na