Ongos delivers against Okahandja
Football
Champions African Stars lost their log-leading position when they were beaten by Unam.
Ongos FC’s goalkeeper-coach Ephraim Tjihonge was proud of his team's second-half performance in an influential Debmarine Namibia Premiership matchon Saturday. Ongos came from behind to beat Okahandja United 3-1 at the Unam Stadium.
In a highly competitive race at the top of the log, this result temporarily put Ongos FC in first position on 29 points, taking over from reigning title holders African Stars (26) who lost 0-2 against Unam FC.
Maandero Musuuo put Okahandja ahead, but Ongos took the points thanks to goals by Junior Prince Archer (2) and Nikodemus Haikali.
Tjihonge said: “This was a hard-fought victory, because in the first half they disrupted the way we like to play.
“We however made sure that we improve and we grew stronger into the game in the second half. The substitutions we made was important, because those players got involved in the goals.
“I must say this was a good victory for us and we are proud.”
It took a brave second-half performance from Ongos FC to break down Okahandja United.
The Windhoek-based team showed flair and managed to break down the defense and resilience of their opponents.
Lapse in concentration
Okahandja United assistant coach Mr Efrain cited lapses in concentration for his team’s lacklustre showing that cost them their lead.
“We had a good first 45 minutes and we were lucky to score a goal in that half too.
“The team managed to fight well, but a lapse in concentration in the second half cost us. We now have to fight and make sure we get back in the race because all this is a learning curve,” he said.
Results elsewhere
At the Unam Stadium, African Stars FC suffered only their third defeat of the season, when Unam humbled them 2-0 with goals by Vevangapi Mbuende and Eduardo Namib.
Young Brazilians beat Cuca Tops 1-0 in Rundu, after Julinho Athletic and Khomas Nampol had earlier played to a 2-2 draw.
After Saturday’s matches Khomas Nampol (26) was second, but on level footing with African Stars (26) and Unam (26) and one point ahead of Mighty Gunners (25).
Bucks Buccaneers, eager to avoid relegation under their new coach Ronnie Kanalelo, redeemed themselves with a 1-0 upset over Young African FC.
It was Young African’s first defeat in this Premiership season and after they had gone unbeaten for 14 matches since the start of the season, they slipped from their earlier second place to sixth (24 points).
In Oshakati, KK Palace beat Blue Boys 1-0, while Blue Waters and Eeshoke Chula Chula played to a 0-0 draw.
At Windhoek’s Independence Stadium, Tigers (now seventh on 23) and Mighty Gunners drew 1-1 on Friday night.
Two referees tragically perish
The Namibia Football Association (NFA) sadly confirmed the tragic passing of two esteemed match officials, Helmut Andreas (55) and Hans Petrus (26), following a motor vehicle accident on Friday afternoon. They were en route to Windhoek to officiate scheduled premiership matches.
“On behalf of the NFA president, the Executive Council, management, staff, and the entire football fraternity, we express our profound and heartfelt regret at this devastating loss. Mr. Andreas and Mr. Petrus were dedicated servants of the game, and their untimely passing has sent shockwaves throughout our football community.
“Mr. Helmut Andreas, affectionately known as ‘Germany’, was a highly respected figure. A former FIFA accredited referee, local instructor and assessor, he also served as chairperson of the Erongo Regional Refereeing Committee and was a valued member of the Namibia National Referees Committee. His vast experience and commitment to the development of refereeing in Namibia will be sorely missed. The loss of experienced referees like Mr. Andreas significantly impacts the growth and mentorship within our refereeing structures.
“Mr. Hans Petrus was a promising young assistant referee with a bright future ahead of him. Having recently completed his studies in Engineering, he was in his third year as an Elite A referee, officiating at the highest level of domestic football.