Stars maintain lead, take revenge on Chula Chula
Football
The Debmarine Namibia Premiership is in its final stretch and the defending champions are edging closer to more glory.
African Stars consolidated their Debmarine NPLF title credentials by ensuring they finish the weekend on top of the log, irrespective of the Sunday results.Only a handful of matches remain and African Stars look as if they will be retaining their Namibia Premiership title.
African Stars will however not be eager to celebrate prematurely, knowing Khomas Nampol and Ongos FC still remain in their sight going into the final stretch.
The Reds managed to beat Eshoke Chula Chula on Saturday with a solitary goal scored by Charles Hambira in the second half at the Oshakati Stadium, to boost their title prospects with a five-point cushion after Saturday’s matches.
The winners’ coach Ronnie Kanalelo was ecstatic about the result which sent African Stars’ log points tally to 53 after 24 matches and took revenge for the northern club’s earlier win in Windhoek.
“This was not an easy match, because the opponents were coming for us in the closing stages of the game.
“As a team, we kept our cool and managed to neutralise any threat posed by them.
“In this heat it was not favourable weather conditions, but I was pleased when it started raining as it worked well with my game plan,” Kanalelo said.
Chula Chula FC coach John Sikerete was hoping for a home victory, but the champions proved too strong.
“It was a lapse in concentration when we conceded the goal which cost us the match.
“I think both teams really tried their best to entertain the crowd and the weather was okay.
“We will bounce back since we have had a good season so far,” Sikerete said.
Other results on Saturday saw Blue Waters beating Civics 2-1, thanks to strikes by recent recruit Junior Petrus and Naftal Dausab.
Julinho Sporting did not come away empty-handed from their long trip to Keetmanshoop, where they held Young Brazilians to a 1-1 draw.
On Friday, Unam FC gave Ongos a significant setback by winning 3-1. The winners’ goals by Rugam Roberto (2) and Paulus Gideon would have been hugely celebrated by African Stars supporters, while Junias Theophilus pulled one back in vain for Ongos.
Young African defeated bottom-of-the log Life Fighters 1-0 at the Independence Stadium, as the results up to this point left the relegation zone unchanged. Mighty Gunners beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 at Otjiwarongo.
Khomas Nampol got the better of Okakarara Young Warriors with a 3-0 victory, with goals by Prins Rewaldo (2) and Petrus Nauyango assisting the men in form to overtake Ongos. Nampol was in second place on the log by Saturday night (48 points after 24 matches) two ahead of Ongos (46) who had one match in hand.