Black Africa reignites title bid

Namibia Premier League (NPL) defending champions Black Africa beat Benfica 4-1 on Sunday to reduce the gap between them and the top team on the log standings to only four points. Black Africa are second with 31 points and African Stars first with 35 points. The match between the defending champions and Tsumeb-based Benfica took place at the University of Namibia’s (Unam) football stadium in Windhoek. Black Africa defender Dynamo Fredericks scored an own goal in the third minute of the game to take the halftime score to 1-0 in favour of Benfica. Black Africa were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute after their striker Roger Katjiteo was brought down in the penalty box. Emilio Martin converted the penalty for his team to bring the score level. Black Africa’s Muna Katupose scored a goal in the 50th minute while Katjiteo scored the third in the 57th minute. Katupose struck again in the 58th minute, after getting some good assists from Willy Stephanus. Comeback Speaking to Nampa after the Sunday game, Black Africa’s coach Ronnie Kanalelo said he was pleased with his team’s comeback from a goal down. “We had a lot of ball possession in the first half, but we failed to convert our opportunities into goals because of several technical mistakes,” he said. “One-touch football doesn’t really work in Namibia, because the pitches don’t have a level surface. But we did well in the second half with the four goals that were scored,” said Kanalelo. He added that his players now understand the type of football that is expected from them, and they are not concerned with what other teams will do as long as they win all their remaining matches. “African Stars are the current log leaders and have two games to play. But having two games in hand does not mean they have the points. All we are concerned about now is just winning our remaining matches,” he said. Benfica coach Bafana Subeb said a lack of experience cost them the game. “Our instruction to the team was to keep Black Africa far away from our box. But our lack of Premier League experience started showing in the game, and we allowed them in our half more then we wanted. We are learning with each match, and I hope that we will do better next week when we take on Tura Magic and African Stars,” said Subeb. Second win Touch & Go, who lost to BA on Saturday, were in mean form on Sunday as they demolished Unam 3-0 at the same venue. The students were thoroughly put to the task as the men from Otavi picked up their second win of the season. That result saw the team joining Rebels, who were not in action over the weekend, on 10 points. But they remain in 15th place. Meanwhile, reports from the NPL suggest that the matches that were postponed at the last minute will be played this weekend. These include the massive Katutura derby match between Orlando Pirates and African Stars. -Additional reporting by own reporter. Weekend results Saturday, February 7 Civics 1-2 Eleven Arrows Citizens 2-2 Blue Waters Black Africa 3-2 Touch & Go Unam 1-1 Benfica Sunday, February 8 Unam 0-3 Touch & Go Black Africa 4-1 Benfica Civics 1-1 Blue Waters Citizens 2-1 Eleven Arrows WINDHOEK– NAMPA