Blue Waters victorious over African Stars

Coastal soccer fans were treated to two very entertaining matches at Jan Wilken Stadium in Walvis Bay on Saturday.

A 10-man Eleven Arrows side gave their all and poached a point in a 2-2 draw before Blue Waters produced a tantalising display and shattered log pace-setters African Stars' unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory.

Striker Angelo Kuezi got the better of the Young Brazilians goalminder Piet Phillips and hit the back of the net for Arrows in the 15th minute, after a quick counter-attack.

The Arrows defender Immanuel Angolo scored an own goal and handed Young Brazilians the equaliser (1-1) in the 21st minute.

Arrows looked the more dangerous side with Young Brazilians opting for counter-attacks via the wings.

The coastal side were reduced to 10 men in the second half when referee Hatani Gaoseb gave midfielder Sedakauye Kapimbi his marching orders for a serious foul, orchestrated in the 63rd minute.

Young Brazilians made good use of their one-man advantage with midfielder Vincentius Jobs catching the Arrows keeper Denzel Shatefango off-guard and scoring a goal (2-1) in the 81st minute for the visitors from the south. However, Arrows staged a concerted effort with substitute Willem Phineas outsmarting the Young Brazilian defence and keeper, with a well-taken shot from outside the box for the equaliser (2-2) in extra time.

Important game

“We came from the south with a purpose. This was a very important game for us and we all tried our best," Young Brazilians coach Christinus Windstaan said.

"I am disappointed with the result. Arrows produced a superb fight despite being a man down in the second half. A sloppy mistake and lack of concentration cost us in the last minute."

Arrows captain Johannes Mutanga said: “We desperately needed the three points. We were adequately prepared and motivated. It was an extremely tough match and we fought very hard".

"The red card set us back, but we kept going. The point we earned is better than nothing."

Blue Waters vs African Stars

The goal-scoring continued in the second match of the day with Blue Waters (second on the log) taking on an undefeated African Stars (log leaders).

For those who believe in omens, a huge flock of seagulls flying over the pitch towards the lagoon signalled for the 'Beautiful Birds' supporters that an upset might be in store.

Coming into the match, African Stars had played 22 games - in which they recorded 18 wins and four draws.

Striker Steven Damaseb silenced the vociferous visiting African Stars supporters with a well-taken goal (1-0) in the 23rd minute.

African Stars created an avalanche of chances with the final touches of right winger Willy Stephanus as well as midfielder Owen Damaseb and defensive midfielder Dynamo Fredericks letting them down.

Israel Shikongo nearly extended the Blue Waters lead before the stroke of half-time. He hit the upright, collected the ball again, rounded the Stars goalkeeper Kamaijanda Ndisiro and had his second attempt deflected by the upright once again.

Stars pilled on and sustained the pressure for long spells. The Blue Waters defence stood rock solid, though, with Arend Abubakir putting in a sterling performance for the coastal side.

Sem Ndahangwapo also came close to scoring for African Stars in the second half. He had his acrobatic effort from the edge of the box saved by an alert Blue Waters goalkeeper Immanuel Immanuel.

Referee Lestone Nangombe red-carded Blue Waters goalkeeper coach Dankie Hipundja for allegedly insulting him in the 69th minute.

Striker Junior Petrus put the final result to bed with a second goal for Blue Waters in the 79th minute.

For the fans

Defender Johannes Nambuli, who captained Blue Waters in the absence of the suspended Gregory Auchumeb, said the feeling of winning against African Stars was indescribable.

“Our aim was to stop them and to ensure that their unbeaten run ends. We did it for our fans who backed us in huge numbers on the occasion. This win is for them.”

Blue Waters coach Lucky Shipanga added that he was extremely happy to have the supporters back because of their love for the game.

“The hype created for this game was exceptional. The players knew what was expected from them and they delivered.”

Shipanga said Blue Waters and African Stars have set the bar very high in terms of their fan base and support for Namibian football.

“Those who attended the match today provided us with some much-needed funds and motivated our players. I hope other clubs will emulate and continue this trend.”

He also encouraged Eleven Arrows to continue working hard.

“It is important that Arrows excel. We want them to stay in the Premier League and will always support them when they play other teams at home.”