Stars move ahead of the chasing pack

Unbeaten log leaders African Stars showed their intent as they dominated second-placed Life Fighters in their own backyard on Saturday, winning 3-1 at Otjiwarongo’s Mokati Stadium.African Stars’ seventh win from eight matches, with one draw, extended their lead at the top of the Debmarine Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL) standings from four to seven points.Goals by Willy Stephanus, Edmar Kamatuka and Manase Salazar propelled the favoured visitors to stake their claim in decisive fashion.At Walvis Bay, Blue Waters capitalised by narrowly moving into second position from third, despite the home team having to settle for a 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates. Blue Waters and Life Fighters both ended the day with 15 league points, with the coastal hopefuls having a superior goal difference.Black Africa deniedDefending title holders Black Africa’s woes continued at Unam Stadium, when they gave away a 2-0 lead in the second half to finish on a 2-2 draw with Tura Magic.Lleyton Goliath had put Black Africa ahead just before the 10-minute mark with an easy finish after being placed in the clear from a long kick by his goalkeeper Donavan Gainub. Despite chances on both sides, it remained the only goal of the first half.Just after 60 minutes, Derl Goagoseb showed his importance to the Black Africa cause with a good finish under pressure after receiving a cross from the right.Experience provenTura Magic finally got on board after 74 minutes, as substitute Bonifacius Paulino created just enough space for himself to beat BA keeper Gainub with a left-footed strike, after a brief lapse in the red-and-black defence.An accurate through-pass from Tura Magic veteran Neville Tjiueza created the space for fellow substitute Nicodemus Haikali’s final equalising goal after 84 minutes, which again beat former Tura Magic keeper Gainub.Tura Magic’s Timo Tjongarero was the more satisfied of the two coaches afterwards, praising Tjiueza for his valued experience in providing the vital pass that earned his team a late comeback draw for a hard-earned point.Brian Isaacs, a former national team mentor who is back in charge of Black Africa, where he previously had a number of league-dominating seasons, said a lack of match fitness and a momentary lapse in concentration led to a disappointing result. But he added that it was an overall good performance as part of the club’s transformation into the next era.Rain ends playThe Civics vs Okahandja United match was abandoned early in the second half due to heavy rain and lightning in close proximity to Khomasdal Stadium, with the score tied at 1-1.Okahandja and Civics had entered the weekend in fourth and fifth place, respectively, on 13 and 11 points.Both will have been overtaken by Rundu side Julinho Sporting, whose 3-1 win against Young Brazilians boosted their points tally from 11 to 14 points.Other results on Saturday:At Gobabis: Young African 1-0 Unam FCAt Walvis Bay: Eleven Arrows 0-0 TigersAt Okahandja: Citizens 0-1 Mighty Gunners

Stars move ahead of the chasing pack

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Namibian Sun 2023-02-08

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Stars move ahead of the chasing pack

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Namibian Sun 2023-02-08

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