AFRICAN Stars stretched their lead at the top of the Namibia Premier League table to six points after defeating Tigers 1-0 on Saturday, while closest rivals Orlando Pirates went down 1-0 at United Stars.
Star’s towering forward Elvis Tjivasera scored the only goal of the match at the Sam Nujoma Stadium two minutes before half time to ensure a winning start to his side’s weekend assignment.
Stars now have 29 points, followed by Pirates on 23 and then Black Africa (22), who only play tomorrow, Tura Magic are fourth (21) and Blue Waters (21) fifth.
The match had been an even contest up until Tjivasera’s effort, which was a tap in from a Levis Swartbooi cross following a swift counter attack.
Tigers were left to rue missed opportunities with their attackers missing several chances to take the lead early in the opening half.
Striker Panduleni Nekundi missed his side’s first clear opening when through on goal with only the keeper to beat as he skewed his left-footed shot wide of the upright.
Next to miss a good chance for Tigers was winger Petrus Naftali, when he also dragged his shot just wide of the post when facing Stars keeper Athiel Mbaha midway through the first half.
Soon after, Stars won a free kick which Swartbooi curled over the wall but his shot was comfortably gathered by Tigers’ keeper Fox Nambundunga.
Moments later, Stars’ pressure paid dividends, when the lively Swartbooi crossed for Tjivasera to slide in the match winning goal.
Tigers upped the tempo in the second half, and would have drawn level on numerous occasions but Johannes Kooper and Absalom Iimbondi failed to hit the target from close range when granted the opportunities.
Tigers’ best chance fell to rejuvenated playmaker Letu Shatimuene, who hit the post with a curling effort from just outside the box.
Stars were themselves guilty of failing to convert chances to extend their lead, with Tjivasera and substitute Riaan Cloete the chief culprits.
Earlier, Tura Magic emerged victorious from their seven-goal thriller 4-3 against Rebels at the same venue.
Blue Waters beat bottom-side Benfica 2-0, Eleven Arrows, in 12th, won 3-2 against second-last Touch & Go, while third-bottom Julinho Sporting thumped tenth Mighty Gunners 4-0.
