Meraai Swartbooi scored a minute from time to hand African Stars a 2-1 victory over Eleven Arrows while Willy Stephanus’ brace was enough to see Black Africa through in the last-32 Round matches of the Bidvest Namibia Cup played on Saturday.
The reigning champions African Stars got their defence campaign off with a date against Namibia Premier League rivals Eleven Arrows in their last-32 Round clash at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday afternoon and Stars took the lead midway through the first half with a well taken free kick by defender Freedom Puriza.
But the youthful Arrows side never gave up and were finally rewarded for their enterprising play when striker Sheya Andima was quick to respond to a loose ball in the Stars’ box to score from close range and make it 1-1.
In the second half, Arrows continued to dominate possession but just couldn’t find the net and they were made to regret their missed chances. With a minute left to play, Stars were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and substitute Meraai Swartbooi stepped up to put the ball into the corner of the net so send Stars’ fans into a frenzy.
Stars will now take on Orlando Pirates next Saturday as the Bidvest Namibia Cup Last-16 Round takes centre stage.
Earlier in the day, Black Africa also booked their place in the next round of the competition with a 2-1 victory over Cuca Tops. Willy Stephanus scored first from a free kick and Tjiurikouye Juua equalised for Tops and just before half time, Stephanus beat the offside trip and rounded the keeper to complete his brace, 2-1 final score. BA will now face Erongo second division side Blue Birds in the next round.
In the first match of the treble-header at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, Karas region’s Mountain Rangers took on another second division side Bush Bucks from Zambezi region and former Tigers and Hotspurs midfielder Edward Fadiga Asino got the first for Rangers before Ashley Jossop, formerly with Civics, scored Rangers second and Granlin Mouton added a third for a 3-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Bucks took the game to Rangers and were duly rewarded as they got one back through Newman Mavuna and moments later it was 3-2 as Moses Matomola headed home.
However, Rangers had more in their tank as substitute Mervin Fredericks got their fourth goal then Jossop scored number five and six to complete his hat trick and ensure a 6-2 victory for Rangers who now take on Rundu Chiefs next weekend in the Last-16 Round.
