2006-11-20Staff Report 2 By Kuvee Kangueehi Windhoek Two of Namibia's most famous football clubs, African Stars and Black Africa FC booked their places in the semi-final of the First National Bank Cup after some convincing performances at Mariental. Last year's beaten finalist African Stars enjoyed some sweet revenge when they breezed past the cup-holders, Cymot SKW, by four goals to nil. Black Africa overcame a stubborn Golden Bees by a single goal after a nail-biting encounter. Following the weekend results, African Stars are now strongly tipped to walk one step further this season to clinch the cup. The Samba Boys, as they are affectionately known by their thousands of fans, on Saturday eliminated arch-rivals United Africa Tigers by 2-1 to set up yesterday's encounter against SKW. African Stars' creative midfielder, Freedom Puriza, was on song on Saturday and demolished Tigers. Puriza, who made his breakthrough into the Brave Warriors side recently created one and scored another to set the Stars' campaign on a great start. Puriza also dominated matters in the middle of the park where many expected his fellow teammate at the Brave Warriors, midfielder Letu Shatimwene, to dictate matters. The experienced Nelson Akwenye and teammate Dokkies Schmidt were largely ineffective despite getting some good service from left-back Jeremia Baisako's crosses. In fact, it was Pinias Jacobs who pulled one back for Tigers to give Stars a nervy finish. Black Africa, on the other hand, comfortably beat first division outfit Invincible by 3-0 on Saturday before they also overpowered Golden Bees on Sunday. In other matches played Saturday, Golden Bees beat premier league new boys Friends FC 2-1, while Cymot SKW beat Deportivo in front of its home crowd by two goals to one. With African Stars and Black Africa safely into the semi-final spots, the focus will now be on other powerhouses such as Orlando Pirates, Civics FC and Blue Waters whether they can move into the final next weekend at Gobabis. 2006-11-20Staff Report 2
