NamibiaSport

Tigers’ great start to the season continued when they beat defending champions African Stars 2-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday night.

Stars did most of the attacking, but could not get past Tigers’ resolute defence, while second half breakaway goals by Kenny Malgas and Nelson Akwenye gave them a stunning victory.

It was Tigers’ second consecutive victory of the season, which moves them up to second position on the log, while Stars have now just collected two points from three matches.

Stars started off at a hectic pace, launching attacks from both wings, with Dennis Ngueza and Edwin Korukuve prominent, while early goal attempts by Ninja Karongee and Ronald Ketjijere were off the mark.

Stars continued to exert heavy pressure but Tigers defended well, with captain Willem Mwedihanga, Aluta Sheya and Steven Nangolo keeping a tight check on Stars’ strikers.

Stars had a great chance on 31m when Heinrich Kazerua ran onto a pass by Edwin Korukuve, but with only Tigers’ keeper Charles Uirab to beat, he hit the post.

Five minutes later there was more drama when Ninja Karongee pounced onto a poor backpass and broke free onto Uirab. Uirab did well to block his initial shot and then saved bravely from Henry Somseb’s rebound shot.

The second half had barely started when Mwedihanga got injured in a clash of heads, but he resumed playing after a few minutes with a big white bandage wrapped around his head.

Stars continued to do most of the attacking and sent a barrage of high balls into the box, but could not find a way past Uirab who had a great game in goals.

Tigers took the lead against the run of play, when from a counterattack, Ananias Gebhardt sent a cross in from the left wing and Kenny Malgas headed powerfully into the net from close range.

The final stages were disrupted with fouls on both sides, while many Stars fans started streaming away before the final whistle.

Stars’ misery was compounded when Tigers substitute Nelson Akwenye ran onto a defence splitting pass and beat the advancing Max Mbaeva with a low shot into the left hand corner.

Some of Stars’ supporters vented their frustration by throwing cans onto the field and the match had to be stopped for a while to clear the debris.
African Stars 0 Tigers 2

igers: Kenny Malgas 68m, Nelson Akwenye 87m