Orlando Pirates went to the top of the log after beating Hotspurs 1-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Wednesday night. Pirates’ Cameroonian midfielder Ekane Ndile scored the winning goal with a fantastic strike midway through the first half in a match that was regularly disrupted by foul play and injury stoppages.
Pirates defender Richard Gariseb left the field early on after being concussed while goalkeeper Athiel Mbaha injured his jaw but managed to see out the game after receiving treatment. Both players are in the Brave Warriors squad for next Wednesday's friendly international match against Bafana Bafana and could now be doubtful starters.
Both sides attacked from the outset with Mbaha saving a shot by Hotspurs midfielder Wakotoka Mbatera, while at the other end, a lob by Ronaldo Tsowaseb bounced off the post.
Tsowaseb was a constant danger and provided a great cross on 10m but Stanley Kamesiepo’s shot was cleared off the line.
At the other end, Mbaha brought off a point blank save from a shot by Richard Kavendji, but it was Pirates who took the lead when Ndile pounced onto a loose ball in midfield and hit the back of the net with a cracking 25m shot.
Pirates nearly went further ahead just before halftime but Hotspurs keeper Tommy Shilumbu did well to bring off saves from Johannes Seibeb and Ronaldo Tsowaseb in quick succession.
The second half saw little constructive action as the match was regularly interrupted by fouls and injuries.
Hotspurs brought on Lucky Kooper and Tommy Horaeb who added more pace but Pirates’ central defenders Enrico Afrikaner and Eric Aoseb managed to keep them at bay.
With five minutes remaining Hotspurs striker Richard Kavendji was sent off for a second bookable offence and with that their chances of scoring an equalising goal also faded.
The victory sees Pirates moving to the top of the log with 36 points from 18 matches, while African Stars are second on 35 points, although they have a game in hand.