Stars off to winning start

African Stars got the defence of their Debmarine Namibia Premiership title off to a good start with a convincing 3-1 victory against Orlando Pirates on Saturday. 

There were also wins for Blue Waters, Ongos, Unam and Khomas Nampol as the first round got underway with matches throughout Namibia. 

At the Hage Geingob National Rugby Stadium in Windhoek, Stars’ mercurial midfielder Awilo Stephanus had a great match, scoring two goals, while their Comoran striker Youssouf Ibroihim added a third as Stars cruised to victory. 

They didn’t take long to open their account as their exciting right winger Kambato Uetuuru sent in a cross after only four minutes for Stephanus to put into the net. 

They continued to attack with their Ghanaian striker Peter Adiwoh heading against the crossbar early on, but Pirates equalised against the run of play when Sadney Urikhob pounced onto a poor clearance to put the ball into an empty net. 

Stars, however, soon regained control with Uetuuru at the heart of their counterattacks. He provided two crosses in quick succession, but Deon Tjizumauje and Adiwoh both shot wide of the target. 

Pirates also had their moments with their veteran midfield wizard Riaan Cloete, recalled by coach Ali Akan, after an extended break, impressing with his ball skills in midfield. 

Stars, however, upped the tempo and went 2-0 ahead after an exquisite sidefooted volley by Stephanus from an Angelo Kuezi cross just before halftime.

With Ronald Ketjijere controlling the midfield and Uetuuru continuing to provide enticing crosses from the wing, more chances came Stars’ way after the break. Stephanus could have completed his hattrick, but missed an open goal from a Uetuuru cross, while he also blasted over from a corner. 

Chances for Pirates were few and far between, but Urikhob came close, shooting narrowly wide from a Johannes Shifafure cross.

Stars, however, had the final say when substitute Ibroihim Youssouf stabbed home another cross by Uetuuru in the final stages of the match. 

Blue Waters, meanwhile, got off to a winning start with a 3-1 victory away to newly-promoted Okakarara Young Warriors in Oshakati. 

Blue Waters started had a great start to the match, scoring all three their goals within a 15-minute spell in the first half. 

Tuhafeni David opened their account after 10 minutes, while Lazarus Andjengo made it 2-0 four minutes later. Steven Damaseb added athird after 24 minutes to effectively seal their victory. 

Blue Waters took their foot off the pedal after the break, and Okakarara scored a consolation goal with two minutes to go as Blue Waters completed a comfortable win. 

Khomas Nampol completed their fine early season form with a 2-0 away victory against Young Brazilians in Keetmanshoop. After winning a pre-season tournament a fortnight ago, they continued their winning ways with an important away victory.

Rewaldo Prins opened their account after 23 minutes, while they went 2-0 ahead after a Brazilians own goal midway through the second half. 

Former Tigers and national winger Absalom Iimbondi, who has joined Nampol, also missed a penalty attempt, with his shot hitting the crossbar. 

Unam got an important away victory, beating Okahandja United 1-0 through a goal by Paulus Amutenya, while Ongos FC also got off to a winning start on the road, beating Young African 2-0 at Gobabis. Kleophas Useb scored both their goals.

Julinho Sporting and Life Fighters played to a goalless draw at Rundu.

On Sunday, Tigers beat Civics 1-0 via a goal by their Ghanaian striker Emanuel Ampofu, while newly-promoted Eshoke Chula Chula beat Mighty Gunners 2-1 at the Oshakati Stadium.