Title race wide open

The MTC Namibia Premier League title race was thrown wide open after the top two teams dropped points over the weekend. African Stars were beaten 1-0 by Eleven Arrows in Walvis Bay, while second placed Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by Ramblers. Only Tigers, amongst the top five teams, could manage a win – beating United Stars 2-0 – which sees them moving up to third place, four points behind Stars.

In Walvis Bay, Arrows’ revival continued as they beat African Stars 1-0 through a goal by captain George Hummel. It was Arrows’ second consecutive victory under new coach Congo Hindjou, which sees them moving up to seventh position and out of immediate danger.

Ramblers’ revival since Ali Akan took over also continued as they held Pirates to a 1-all draw on Wednesday night. Ramblers’ budding young striker Junior Gebhardt gave them the lead midway through the second half, but Pirates’ 17-year-old midfielder Sem Iipinge equalised minutes later. The result sees Pirates remaining second, two points behind Stars, while Ramblers are ninth on 15 points.

Tigers moved up to third after beating a game United Stars 2-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday evening.

United Stars were rather unfortunate not to pick up a point as they created numerous scoring opportunities. Alfred Shimuma and Alpheus Ngwezi came close in the early stages, but Tigers weathered the storm and took the lead after a quick counter attack on 55m when Tangeni Shipahu volleyed in from an acute angle.

Tigers finished stronger and went 2-0 up when Shipahu broke clear down the right flank and crossed to an unmarked Nelson Akwenye who headed in on 71m.

The result sees Tigers back in the title hunt, four points behind Stars, while United Stars drop down to tenth position on 13 points, just above the relegation zone.

SKW got back to winning ways when they beat Blue Waters 2-0 at the SKW stadium on Saturday afternoon. Early goals by Jacky Stephanus and Milton Chapo put them in control from the start.

Blue Waters tried hard to stage a comeback in the second half but could not break through SKW’s defence as Ralph Ellinger cleared a shot by Bolle Haraseb off the line, while Diego Fransman saved a freekick by Nico Beukes.

The result sees SKW joining Blue Waters on 24 points, but Blue Waters are one place higher at fifth on the log with a slightly better goal difference.

In Embandu, Oshakati City, battling in the relegation zone, staged a fine 3-2 victory against Civics.

Jackson Nuule, Ruben Ndahepele and Benson Shilongo scored for Oshakati, while Bradley Werman and Pineas Jacob replied for Civics.
The result sees Oshakati remaining second last on 13 points, but they are now closing in on third-last United Stars who are also on 13 points. Civics, meanwhile, remain eighth on 15 points.

On Friday night Black Africa’s title challenge suffered a setback when they were held to a goalless draw by Hotspurs. They now drop down to fourth position on 25 points, while Hotspurs remain bottom of the log on nine points.

Source: www.namibiasport.com.na