Shining Stars upstage Pirates

AFRICAN Stars put in an accomplished display to overcome a formidable Orlando Pirates in a Namibia Premier League clash at the Independence Stadium on Friday.

After a 30-minute delayed kick-off due to faulty floodlights, Pirates looked to have the better of a timid match played in front of enthusiastic spectators, but Stars had the deciding moment of the game. The match was also the first live broadcast of local football on national television for the season.In other matches, an impeccable Eleven Arrows effectively routed Tigers 5-2 on Saturday at the Khomasdal Stadium, with Muna Katupose blasting home four goals, while SKW nailed Chief Santos 4-0 to regain top spot on the league table.Oshakati City held Ramblers to a goalless draw in Oshakati, while the result for the match between Black Africa and Mighty Gunners was not ready at the time of going to print as it started late yesterdayA dull first half saw both teams going in at the break with a blank scoreline as chances were few a far in between. Edison Muheua came closest to the opening goal when he caught a floating cross from the left on the volley that stung the palms of Kapeng just close to 20 minutes into the match. Pirates had a chance soon after as their misfiring target man Samson John headed a good chance wide of MTC Man of the Match Maximilian Mbaeva’s goal. In the 40th minute, John was at it again, but this time he was denied by an alert Mbaeva, as he headed for goal. A series of half chances and a midfield ping-pong affair saw out the rest of the half. In the second half, Pirates took the initiative but a lack of clinical finishing kept the game scoreless. However, good fortune was on Stars’ side as they took the lead on 63 minutes through Heinrich Kazeurua who replaced an injured Rudi Louw early in the second half.Soon after, Pirates’ inability to crack Stars grew into frustration and Frans De Muinda saw red from a foul play. The vocal Pirates faithful tried to spur their team on but to no avail as Stars safely navigated through the remainder of the match.That saw the Pirates supporters heading for the gates with ten minutes to go. In contrast, a vociferous Stars support joyfully chanted from the first to the final whistle and remained in the stands still celebrating well after the matches ended. – sheefeni@gmail.com