WINDHOEK – The University of Namibia edged Citizens 2-1 in a Namibia Premier League match played at Windhoek’s Sam Nujoma Stadium on Wednesday.
Man of the match Heinrich Isaacks scored one and created the other as Unam moved to 42 points and jumped above Tigers to fifth on the log, albeit temporarily.
Tigers will play Tura Magic at the same venue on Sunday.
Veteran midfielder Isaacks opened the scoring in the 13th minute when he linked up with Tara Katupose and Manchester United MacGyver to place the ball into the net.
The former Brave Warriors captain continued to torment Citizens and almost scored the second goal at the end of the second half, but his effort was parried for a corner by an alert Jonas Matheus in goal for Citizens.
Osvaldo Vries tried to pull one back for his team after being put through by Upengisa Ujona, but he shot over the bar.
Isaacks bossed the midfield, showing his class and experience with his calculated movements and accurate passing.
In the second half, Citizens replaced an ineffective Castro Nuuyoma to bring in hard-running Henry Somseb, who brought some pace up front for Citizens.
However, it was Unam who scored their second when Isaacks beat four Citizens players before crossing for Katupose to head home and make it 2-0.
Citizens then upped the tempo, and Somseb caught the Unam defence napping before squaring for Vries to score his team’s consolation goal in the 90th minute.
Despite his side’s victory, Unam head coach Ronny Kanalelo bemoaned the fact that a match was scheduled two days after the Easter weekend, saying the teams did not have sufficient time to prepare.
“The league should have given us a week, as most players returned late from the holiday break. Otherwise, we had a good first half, and Citizens really gave us a tough time,” he said.
Errol Damaseb, Citizens assistant coach, echoed Kanalelo’s sentiments about the fixture being two days after the long weekend.
“We conceded two soft goals in each half. The boys tried to get back into the game, but it was too late. The next two games will determine our destiny in the 2017/18 season,” he said.
Civics play log leaders African Stars on Friday at the same venue, while Young African play Black Africa on Saturday at the Legare Stadium at Gobabis.
Young Chiefs will play Chief Santos at the Oshakati Stadium, while Eleven Arrows play Blue Waters at the Kuisebmond Stadium at Walvis Bay.
Mighty Gunners face Rundu Chiefs at the Mokati Stadium at Otjiwarongo, while a double-header is lined up at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, with Orlando Pirates playing Life Fighters and Tura Magic playing Tigers. – Nampa
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