Ongos and Pirates face off
Football
B the end of tonight's match, Ongos FC could be at the top of the log.
The motivation of avoiding relegation, versus winning the Debmarine Namibia Premier Football League will be drawn tonight as two teams on different courses battle at the Independence Stadium.Ongos FC and Orlando Pirates will both hope for nothing but three points when they come up against each other in tonight’s match at 20:30.
Ongos FC are just one point behind African Stars that will only be in action tomorrow, Orlando Pirates lie second from bottom and desperate for a win that could keep their survival hopes alive.
Formerly known as Tura Magic, Ongos FC could swing the title race in their favour by leading Stars with two points if they win tonight’s match.
Stars only play on Friday before the two top teams on the table eventually meet in another potential title decider on Sunday.
If both teams win their fixtures tonight and on Friday, their meeting on Saturday will mean that both will be separated by a point with only two matches to play.
Ongos FC can win the league if they beat Orlando Pirates today and beat African Stars on Sunday, provided that Stars lose against Young African on Friday.
African Stars on the other hand can win the league if Ongos FC loses to Pirates, provided that Stars beat Young African and Ongos this weekend, while also hoping that third-placed Khomas Nampol FC (who take on Tigers today at 18:30) drop the points in their remaining fixtures.
Ongos has won 17 of their 27 matches so far this season, losing five, with five draws.
They have been one of just three teams that have tasted the summit this season.
Ongos FC coach Agnus Elemu says the players understand the importance of the assignment and dropping points will not be in their favour.
“I believe everyone in the team understands the magnitude of this fixture and the significance it has on the title race.
“We know that Orlando Pirates will not be easy, because they are fighting against relegation and they will not give up easily.
“It is therefore up to the players to give it their all and make sure we get the three points,” Elemu said.
His team is matched against an opponent that has everything to lose if they do not win tonight.
Orlando Pirates, a club with a rich history, is on the verge of dropping out of the Debmarine Premiership for the first time in decades if they do not get maximum points this weekend.
Pirates have lost 15 of their 27 matches, while winning only five and salvaging seven draws.