Ramblers hold Pirates to a draw

Ramblers’ recovery under Ali Akan continued on Wednesday night when they held second-placed Orlando Pirates to a 1-all draw at the Sam Nujoma Stadium. Junior Gebhardt put Ramblers ahead on 69m when he stabbed in a rebound, but Sem Iipinge equalised for Pirates seven minutes later.

The result was a blow to Pirates’ title ambitions since they are now two points behind African Stars, who have a game in hand. For Ramblers, however, it was their third victory in their last four matches, which puts them in eighth position, level with Civics on 15 points.

In a rather dull first half there was not much goalmouth action as both defences held sway.

Pirates’ 17-year-old midfielder Sem Iipinge came close with a freekick that Ramblers keeper Helmuth Maletsky tipped for a corner, but the best chance came just before halftime when Ramblers striker Junior Gebhardt broke through the defence and hit the post from close range.

The game opened up in the second half with attacks and counterattacks by both teams, but Ramblers had the better chances, with especially their young striker Eusebio Fredericks testing Pirates’ defence with his strong runs and tricky ball artistry.

Fredericks came close with a lob that was headed off Pirates’ line by George Tsamaseb on 65m, while Maletsky did well to save from John Samson after a Pirates counter attack.

Ramblers’ pressure paid off on 69m when Fredericks attacked down the right wing and centred to an unmarked Allessandro Ferreira on the edge of the box. Ferreira had all the time to place his shot, but hit the upright, but Junior Gebhardt followed up to put the rebound into the net.

Pirates came back and Iipinge equalised seven minutes later when he volleyed home a loose ball from the edge of the box.

In the final stages, Amy Savihemba came close for Ramblers while at the other end, John Samson had a shot well saved by Maletsky.

Source: www.namibiasport.com.na