BLACK Africa and African Stars both eked out narrow 1-0 victories over the weekend to maintain their title charge. Meanwhile, third-placed Tura Magic’s good form continued as they moved to within touching distance of Stars.
Black Africa were pushed all the way by Mighty Gunners at Otjiwarongo, before a 97th minute goal by Salomon Kamulilo gave them a hard fought victory.
BA had missed a penalty early in the second half when Emilio Martin hit the post, and the match seemed to be heading for a draw as full time approached.
Numerous injury delays, however, led to a prolonged extra time, and BA finally scored the winner when Kamulilo headed home a cross by Donald Geiseb.
For Gunners, Pineas Jacob had a good game, sending in numerous crosses from the wing, but on the whole there were not many chances for either side.
“I’m really relieved, we really needed that victory, especially after Stars also won against Pirates,” BA coach Paulus Shipanga said after the match.
Stars were also rather fortunate, beating Orlando Pirates 1-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, through a second half goal by striker Chrispin Mbewe.
Youssouf Ibroihim came close for Stars early on with a long range effort, but Pirates did most of the attacking in the first half.
Ebo Duncan shot narrowly wide on 10 minutes, while Brenwell Mentoor wasted an excellent chance when he was put clear with only the goalie to beat, but he hesitated too long and Aubrey Amseb came to Stars’ rescue with a goal-saving tackle.
At the other end, Pirates’ goalie Donavan Gainub brought off a diving save to deny Gustav Isaak, while he also tipped an Ibroihim cracker over the bar.
Stars’ midfielder Marcel Papama had a shot saved a minute after the restart, and six minutes later Mbewe opened their account when he wriggled between two Pirates’ defenders to poke the ball into the net.
Pirates had more opportunities through Duncan and Elvis Tjivasera, but they could not break through and Stars held on for a precious victory.
BA now lead the log on 51 points, while Stars are six points behind on 45 although they have a match in hand.
Stars’ assistant coach Andrew Tjahikika said it was a tough match.
“There are no easy matches anymore, because the other teams are fighting for relegation. So it’s not easy, but we have to continue winning to keep the pressure on Black Africa.
“I’m not concerned about Black Africa – we must just win our remaining matches and if we beat BA when we meet again we can win the title,” he added.
The result also leaves Pirates rooted to the bottom of the log on 19 points, although they have a match in hand on Civics who are second last on 21 points.
Pirates’ coach Lucky Kakuva said the result was a bitter pill to swallow.
“It’s tough luck, but I am proud of the boys. We didn’t deserve to lose, but thats football and now its back to the drawing board for us.
Kakuva, however, was adamant that they would escape the relegation axe.
“If you look at our performances you can see we are on an upward curve and I am confident that we wont be relegated. I will just need to motivate my players so that they can get their confidence back,” he said.
Tura Magic, meanwhile
On Wednesday night, Tura Magic beat Unam 2-1 through a brace by Junias Theophilus and are now just four points behind Stars in third place.
In other matches on Saturday, Julinho Sporting beat Blue Waters 1-0 in Rundu and Young Brazilians and Okahandja United drew 2-2 in Karasburg.
