BA, Stars keep momentum

LOG leaders Black Africa, African Stars and Orlando Pirates all recorded victories, but Ramblers suffered their first defeat of the season in Round 8 action of the MTC Premiership over the weekend.

On Friday night BA put in a classy performance to beat Civics 2-0 and move to 19 points on the log, while Stars moved up to 18 points on Saturday with a 1-0 victory over Mighty Gunners. In Rundu, Pirates beat Rundu Chiefs 2-0 to move up to 16 points, but Ramblers suffered a 3-1 defeat to Tigers on Friday and are now fourth on the log on 15 points, with Tigers moving up to fifth on 13 points. First half goals by Willy Stephanus and Klaas Blom ensured that Black Africa’s bid for a third consecutive Premier League title remains on course. Stephanus opened the scoring on 26 minutes when his cross-cum shot squirmed in off the near post past Civics keeper Esau Tjiuoro, who should have done better to guard his net. Blom made it 2-0 with a great goal just before halftime. He dribbled into the box, exchanged passes with Muna Katupose before shooting home from close range. BA kept up the pressure in the second half with Roger Katjiteo, Muna Katupose and Eslin Kamuhanga all coming close, while Civics had few chances of their own. The closest they came was when they won a penalty for handball on 54 minutes but their misery was compounded when Sadney Urikhob blasted the ball over the bar. In the early match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday evening, Ramblers crashed to their first defeat this season when they lost 3-1 to Tigers. After a goalless first half, a goal blitz of three goals in eight minutes put Tigers 3-0 ahead, with striker Panduleni ‘Kaka’ Nekundi scoring two spectacular goals and winger Pineas Jacob getting the other. Amy Savihemba later pulled a one back for Ramblers but Tigers held on for a comfortable victory. Ramblers coach Woody Jacobs gave credit to Tigers, saying they deserved the victory. African Stars kept pace with the log leaders, thanks to a second-half Meraai Swartbooi effort after having an earlier goal from a freekick chalked-off for offside. Stars dominated the match with Meraai Swartbooi, Riaan Cloete and Edwin Korukuve at the heart of the numerous other goalscoring chances but were not converted. Pirates defeated Rundu Chiefs 2-0 with Nicky Musambani scoring both goals. In Walvis Bay, SKW pulled off an unexpected 2-1 victory against Blue Waters, to record only their second victory of the season.In the late match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday, Tura Magic beat Eleven Arrows 2-1 after goals by Junias Theophilus and Jafaru Somed, while Edom Dominic pulled a goal back for Arrows. The victory saw Tura Magic drawing level with Mighty Gunners on seven points, while Rundu Chiefs remain bottom on one point.