18 April 2008
Civics got their league campaign back on track when they defeated Black Africa 1-0 at the Khomasdal Stadium on Wednesday night.
In a game of few chances, Civics striker Floris Diergaardt scored the only goal in the 25th minute when he headed in a pinpoint cross by Victor Helu.
Civics did most of the attacking in the first half, with Helu providing some probing runs down the right wing.
Towards the end of the half Helu had a great chance to increase Civics' lead when he broke through BA's defence with a strong run, but her dallied too long on the ball and BA's keeper Stephanus Ndila saved bravely at his feet.
BA's best chance came on 30 minutes when Donovan Swartz fired inches wide of the mark after a quick counterattack.
The second half was rather boring with most of the battle taking place in the midfield.
BA pushed hard after the break through Donovan Swartz and replacement winger Wallace Mosiane, but Civics' defence, with Jamu Ngatjzeko in fine form, stood firm and held out for victory.
Civics' president Helmuth Scharnowski said that they were now back in the title hunt.
"Civics can beat any team in the league and if we continue like this we will be a contender for the league title which is still far from being decided," he said.
"It was a hard and physical match in which we had a slight advantage in terms of ball possession.
The difference was that we had three good chances in the first half and capitalised on one.
There were no clear chances in the second half," he said.
The result sees Civics moving up to third position on the log on 24 points, while Black Africa drop down to fifth position on 22 points.
PIRATES V STARS HUMDINGER The 15th round of the lMTC Namibia Premier League continues with matches throughout Namibia this weekend.
The big match in Windhoek is between Orlando Pirates and African Stars, starting at 17h00 tomorrow at the Khomasdal Stadium.
Pirates have been on a roll in the league and haven't lost since February.
They have assembled one of the strongest squads on paper, with players of the calibre of Riaan Cloete, Klaas Blom, Steven Maposa, Celestine Wasserfall, Wilfred Coetzee, Frans de Muinda and Eusebio Fredericks all fighting for a place in the starting lineup.
Recalled coach Brian Isaacks started with a victory against Oshakati City and then an away draw to Fedics, but tomorrow will be his first big test since taking over.
Stars were in brilliant form when they stunned Ramblers with a 3-1 victory last weekend.
Silver Suriyari was their star player, but Getzen Ndjoharine, Andrew Tjahikika, Pat Uanivi and Dennis Ngueza all gave battling performances.
Pirates are just five points behind the leaders, Ramblers, while Stars are seven points off the pace, with a game in hand, so victory will be crucial for both teams' title ambitions.
In the weekend's other matches, Ramblers host Mighty Gunners, Cymot SKW travel to Walvis Bay to take on Eleven Arrows, Oshakati City host Tigers and Fedics United host APS Blue Waters.
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