SKW return to the top

CYMOT SKW regained the top spot on the MTC Namibia Premier League log after beating Orlando Pirates 1-0 at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium on Saturday night.

Marco van Wyk scored the winning goal after 19m when he latched onto a backheel by Jacky Stephanus to score with an angled shot.
At the other end Harry Januarie pulled off a great diving save from a shot by Wilfred Coetzee, while Meraai Swartbooi was inches wide with a 30m freekick.
Pirates brought on John Samson and Klaas Blom for Nicodemus Hifitikeko and Vic Blaauw respectively after the break and they immediately made an impact. Samson soon had a shot saved by Januarie and then another cracking shot whistled past the upright.
With Blom creating numerous chances, both Coetzee and Meraai Swartbooi blasted over the bar, while SKW’s defence, well marshalled by Ralph Ellinger, Sheldon du Plessis and Thierry Kanko stood firm under pressure.
Pirates nearly equalised when SKW keeper Januarie fumbled the ball in front of Pirates striker Leandro de Cunha, but he just managed to recover in time to collect the loose ball.
Januarie and Pirates defender Ivan Makina were both concussed after colliding in the final minutes and had to receive extensive medical treatment.
SKW managed to hold on for the victory which puts them two points clear of African Stars at the top of the log.
Black Africa maintained their unbeaten run under Ali Akan when they defeated Eleven Arrows 3-1 at the SKW Stadium.
Black Africa led 1-0 through an early penalty by Erastus Mundjanima, but Muna Katupose equalised shortly after halftime. Arrows wasted a great chance to take the lead when they won a penalty, but Rudolph Bester shot wide from the spot.
Clarence Foroma soon put BA 2-1 and after Muna Katupose wasted two clear chances for Arrows, Danny Chilufya scored BA’s third goal from a goalmouth melee.
Civics kept the pressure on the front-runners after beating Chief Santos 2-0 in Tsumeb, with Eslin Kamuhanga and Heini Isaacks scoring the goals.
At the Khomasdal Stadium, Ramblers eased their relegation fears after beating Mighty Gunners 2-1. Nelson Akwenye gave Ramblers an early lead but Steven Matjayi equalised just before half time. Chama Kaira ensured Ramblers’ victory when he scored the winner 10m after the break.
In Oshakati, Hotspurs did well to hold Oshakati City to a 1-all draw.

STARS BEAT TIGERS
On Friday, African Stars had to fight hard for a 1-0 victory against Tigers.
Stars did most of the attacking and were finally rewarded for their persistent pressure when Edison Muheua scored a great goal on 77m. From a quick counterattack the impressive Brouwers Litombo set Muheua clear, who blasted the ball into the net from the edge of the box.
It was tough luck for Tigers who defended well and seemed to have done enough for a draw, while their coach Page Ananias was unhappy with the officiating.
‘Stars’ goal was a blunder by the referee and should never have been allowed because the scorer was offside,’ he said.
After SKW’s victory on Saturday, Stars are now second on the log, two points off the pace, with a match in hand.
– NamibiaSport.com.na