Stars eye Pirates scalp
African Stars are one step closer to the CAF Champion's League group stages, after a 2-1 win over Volcano Club de Moroni on Wednesday.
African Stars coach Robert Nauseb has urged his players to up their game against Black Africa on Sunday and South Africa's Orlando Pirates, when they clash home and away in the final preliminary round of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champion's League on dates still to be determined.
The Reds will play arch-rivals Black Africa in their famous Katutura derby this weekend at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in the MTC Namibia Premier league (NPL).
Stars entered the last round of the Champions League preliminaries after beating Volcano Club de Moroni of the Comoros over two legs.
The final leg was played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Wednesday, which Stars won 2-1 after a goalless draw in their first clash in the Comoros.
The islanders, however, gave Stars a run for their money. They needed just one more goal to dump Stars out of the competition, but the Namibians managed to hold on.
“I am happy with the victory but I am not happy with the way we played.
“We will have to play better football against Orlando Pirates if we are to give them any challenge.
“The good thing is that we know so much about Orlando Pirates, while they know very little about us,” Nauseb said.
On Wednesday evening, African Stars took the lead through Zimbabwean player Chrispen Mbewe, who headed home from close range.
Volcano, however, responded with a goal of their own through Diaritiana Solonaina Rakotonanhary.
The equaliser created panic in the stadium, as it meant that Stars needed to score another goal if they wanted to stay alive in the competition.
The two teams squandered a couple of chances each, with the Comoros side threatening, while controlling the middle of the pitch.
A star performance by right-back Ivan Kamberiba, however, kept the islanders at bay.
The score remained level as halftime approach, before Gustav Isaak delivered a shot that left the Volcano goalkeeper stranded.
The second half was more about controlling the tempo, with both teams trying to outclass each other in the midfield.
“For now, we will go back to the drawing board in order to prepare for our league match against Black Africa,” Nauseb added.
This weekend will also see other NPL clashes, with Namibia's Orlando Pirates hosting Citizens tonight at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 20:00.
The action will continue with Blue Waters against Mighty Gunners at the Kuisebmond Stadium on Saturday at 16:00, while Okahandja United host Young African on Saturday at 16:00.
Unam FC will travel all the way to Rundu to face Julinho Sporting at the Rundu Sport Stadium at 16:00, while Eleven Arrows will be on the road to face Young Brazilians in Karasburg.
Tigers FC will battle it out against Civics at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday at 16:00, followed by Tura Magic against Life Fighters at 18:00.
Black Africa issued a statement yesterday, saying they want to remain on top of the league after Sunday's derby.
“Judged on previous encounters, a fierce battle is expected on the field of play.
“Black Africa would like to remain at the summit of the league, but African Stars, having progressed to the next round of the CAF Champions League, would like to continue with their fine performances,” the statement said.
Tickets are available at all Pick n Pay outlets and at Football House for N$30, while they will cost N$40 at the gate.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
The Reds will play arch-rivals Black Africa in their famous Katutura derby this weekend at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in the MTC Namibia Premier league (NPL).
Stars entered the last round of the Champions League preliminaries after beating Volcano Club de Moroni of the Comoros over two legs.
The final leg was played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Wednesday, which Stars won 2-1 after a goalless draw in their first clash in the Comoros.
The islanders, however, gave Stars a run for their money. They needed just one more goal to dump Stars out of the competition, but the Namibians managed to hold on.
“I am happy with the victory but I am not happy with the way we played.
“We will have to play better football against Orlando Pirates if we are to give them any challenge.
“The good thing is that we know so much about Orlando Pirates, while they know very little about us,” Nauseb said.
On Wednesday evening, African Stars took the lead through Zimbabwean player Chrispen Mbewe, who headed home from close range.
Volcano, however, responded with a goal of their own through Diaritiana Solonaina Rakotonanhary.
The equaliser created panic in the stadium, as it meant that Stars needed to score another goal if they wanted to stay alive in the competition.
The two teams squandered a couple of chances each, with the Comoros side threatening, while controlling the middle of the pitch.
A star performance by right-back Ivan Kamberiba, however, kept the islanders at bay.
The score remained level as halftime approach, before Gustav Isaak delivered a shot that left the Volcano goalkeeper stranded.
The second half was more about controlling the tempo, with both teams trying to outclass each other in the midfield.
“For now, we will go back to the drawing board in order to prepare for our league match against Black Africa,” Nauseb added.
This weekend will also see other NPL clashes, with Namibia's Orlando Pirates hosting Citizens tonight at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 20:00.
The action will continue with Blue Waters against Mighty Gunners at the Kuisebmond Stadium on Saturday at 16:00, while Okahandja United host Young African on Saturday at 16:00.
Unam FC will travel all the way to Rundu to face Julinho Sporting at the Rundu Sport Stadium at 16:00, while Eleven Arrows will be on the road to face Young Brazilians in Karasburg.
Tigers FC will battle it out against Civics at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday at 16:00, followed by Tura Magic against Life Fighters at 18:00.
Black Africa issued a statement yesterday, saying they want to remain on top of the league after Sunday's derby.
“Judged on previous encounters, a fierce battle is expected on the field of play.
“Black Africa would like to remain at the summit of the league, but African Stars, having progressed to the next round of the CAF Champions League, would like to continue with their fine performances,” the statement said.
Tickets are available at all Pick n Pay outlets and at Football House for N$30, while they will cost N$40 at the gate.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
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