Article Views (non — The race for the coveted MTC Premiership title might be a long shot away with a marathon 10 rounds still awaiting the few title aspirants but both African Stars and reigning champions Black Africa have certainly confirmed their title credentials at the halfway stage of the competition.

Log leaders Stars managed to dislodge a stubborn Rundu Chiefs in their own backyard via a narrow 2-1 victory at the Rundu Sports Stadium on Saturday. The Reds were made to sweat hard for the valuable three points as Ali Akan's red-hot outfit struggled to get out of first gear in searing heat - but a goal apiece on either side of play by Guti Korukuve and Chris Katjiukua did the trick for the travelling team.

The win leaves Stars at the summit - one point off closest challengers and rivals Black Africa. The Namibian champions also fashioned out an identical score line in the

much-trumpeted Katutura derby against traditional rivals FNB Orlando Pirates at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday evening.

Across town, Ramblers' far-fetched title aspirations suffered a heavy blow when the Pionierspark based outfit were handed a 2-0 shock defeat by old foes Cymot Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) at Windhoek's Independence Stadium on Saturday.

Following their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Ramblers the previous week, coastal side Eleven Arrows dusted themselves off to record an empathic 3-1 triumph away from home against Civics in the first of a double header preceding the Rammies/Imawida clash.

The match between LHU Blue Waters and the league's new boys Tura Magic ended in a 1-all stalemate at the Narraville Stadium in Walvis Bay on Saturday.