NPL front-runners Khomas Nampol stunned

Orlando Pirates coach Woody Jacobs says their win against Unam FC does not mean they are out of danger of relegation from the Debmarine Namibia Premier Leage yet, but he believes the result will give the team “a bit of confidence”.

Jacobs said this after the Buccaneers produced a 2-1 win over Unam FC at the Unam Stadium on Friday.

“Getting three points in a season we are fighting relegation was massive for us.

“This does not mean we are out of danger because we still have to push, while also hoping the other teams above the relegation zone drop points.

“I was proud of the way the players came to the party and we fought to win against a good Unam team,” Jacobs said.

Pirates took the lead through Godwin Jena who converted a penalty early in the first half.

Unam FC however fought back strong and managed to equalise in the 38th minute through Paulus Amutenya.

The teams went into the break level at 1-1, with the home team eager to make its home ground advantage count.

The second half saw both teams pushing for a win, staging attacks and creating chances.

It was however Orlando Pirates who had the last laugh when Giovanni Engelbrecht scored the winner with 12 minutes to go.

“There is still a long way to go, but the most important thing will be to take the positives from this match.

“We have to treat every match from now until the end of the season as a final,” Jacobs added.



AFRICAN STARS FIND WINNING WAYS

The other early fixture on Friday between two traditional rivals Life Fighters and African Stars also produced goals.

Stars were under pressure to perform after dropping vital points last weekend.

The Reds added three log points through their top goal scorer Willy Stephanus and Daniel Ngunzu Salazar.

“I am happy with the performance away from home at this point of the season.

“It was a match we needed to win, given what happened last weekend. The win definitely makes things interesting at the top of the table,” Stars coach Mervin Mbakera said.

The league matches continued on Saturday as Khomas Nampol were held winless in Otjiwarongo.

Mighty Gunners produced a top performance to beat Nampol 3-2 in an encounter between clubs of the uniformed forces.

Khomas Nampol coach Fortune Eichab expressed disappointment over the result, but was optimistic about the future.

“It was not meant to be our day, I guess. I am however not worried, because our objective this season was to survive (relegation),” Eichab noted.

In Rundu, Julinho Sporting FC were stunned by Tigers after losing 1-0, while Ongos FC beat Okahandja United 2-0.

Young African continued picking up points away from home following a 0-0 draw against Blue Waters FC at Swakopmund.