Upset results across the NPL

Football
Andrew Poolman
A number of favoured teams came of second-best during round 10 and 11 of the Debmarine Namibia Premier League this weekend.

At Karasburg, Young Brazilians FC scored a famous 4-3 win over their visitors from Healo Nafidi, Eeshoke Chula Chula, on Saturday.

One of the Brazilians’ goals had initially been flagged offside by the assistant referee, which the referee acknowledged. Then, before restarting, the fourth official called the referee and told him that the goal should stand.

Chula Chula were 0-3 behind at one stage, before launching a spirited comeback. Another long drive was awaiting them ahead of yesterday afternoon’s scheduled clash with Khomas Nampol in the capital.

• Title holders African Stars won 1-0 against Life Fighters at Otjiwarongo, with goal scorer Uetuuru Kambato being named as their player of the match.

African Stars coach Mervin Mbakera expressed joy following his winning return in the Debmarine NPL, after the club recently sacked Ghanaian coach Prince George Koffie.

“It is always good to win such matches, because they build the confidence of players and this result puts us at the top of the log.

“Stars have had some tough moments recently and my job is to turn the troubles into fortunes. My aim is to make sure the players get all they need to be successful,” Mbakera said.

• At Legare Stadium in Gobabis, hosts Young African put up solid resistance in a 0-0 result against favoured Blue Waters from Walvis Bay.

• At Windhoek’s Indepence Stadium, Tigers were held to a 1-1 result when Julinho Sporting from Rundu took advantage of a late penalty to equalise.

• Okakarara Young Warriors and Civics each scored a goal in the first half of their earlier match at Independence Stadium, with the score remaining unchanged at the final whistle.



Friday shocks

On Friday, pace-setters Khomas Nampol were held to a 1-1 result by Mighty Gunners at the Independence Stadium. Prins Riwaldo scored with a header from a corner kick for the police club, while Reinhold Shavuka replied for the travallers from Otjiwarongo.

Just before this match, at the same venue, Ongos FC suffered an unexpected 0-2 loss to Okahandja United.

Gerald Kaengurova scored a penalty for the Okahandja team, along with a strike by Harrison Kabemba.

• On Thursday at Independence Stadium, Otjiwarongo’s Life Fighters took a 2-0 win, their first of the season, against Orlando Pirates. Ronaldo Tjikurunda’s goal put the winners ahead by halftime, before Eliakim Jackson struck in the second half to put matters beyond doubt.