Ali Akan got off to a winning start as Ramblers coach as they comfortably beat Hotspurs 2-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday night. Goals by Eusebio Fredericks and Junior Gebhardt within the first 20 minutes sealed their victory, although they could well have doubled the score.
Fredericks, back with Ramblers after a spell in South Africa, had a fine match and opened the scoring after only 5m when he broke free on the right and volleyed the ball high into the net.
With Bernadine Mbilizi, back from Eleven Arrows and Amy Savihemba in fine form in midfield, more chances came Ramblers way and they went 2-0 up on 20m when Gebhardt latched onto a great throughball by Fredericks to score from close range.
Fredericks was in the thick of things, receiving some hard tackles, and Hotspurs were lucky not to concede a penalty when he went down in the box on 32m.
Hotspurs’ chances were few and far between with only John Schultz and Eden Namupala making much of an impression in attack.
Fredericks wasted a great opportunity early in the second half when he headed just over the bar from a Jeremia Baisako cross, while Gebhardt missed an open goal when he blasted over the bar after a great cross by Fredericks.
With Hotspurs’ defence under constant pressure, they were guilty of some rough fouls and Peka Hamukwaya was sent off just before the end after picking up two yellow cards.
The victory saw Ramblers climbing two position to eighth on the log with 11 points, while Hotspurs remain rock bottom on five points.
Ramblers 2
Eusebio Fredericks 5’, Ananias Gebhardt 20’