Windhoek: The University of Namibia (UNAM) Football Club on Saturday held defending Premier League champions African Stars to a 1-1 draw at the UNAM Stadium, extending their unbeaten run to 12 matches.
According to Namibia Press Agency, UNAM, who came into the encounter third on the log, made a dream start by scoring inside the opening minute. Continued early pressure forced mistakes in the African Stars defence, which Nestor Iiyambo punished with a simple finish. A cross from the right eluded goalkeeper Rantanda Mbazuvara, while defenders Vitapi Ngaruka and Charles Hambira were caught out of position, allowing Iiyambo to tap into an open net.
With their spirits lifted by the early goal, the Clever Boys dominated possession in the first half and created several chances in the opening 25 minutes but failed to extend their lead. African Stars, however, showed their championship pedigree as the half drew to a close, increasing the pressure and earning a free kick. Baggio Tuli Nashixwa made no mistake when the UNAM goalkeeper, Owen Gariseb, misjudged the set piece, which Nashixwa bounced in to restore parity for the defending champions.
The second half saw African Stars enjoy more of the attacking initiative, creating a number of scoring opportunities, but UNAM defended resolutely to secure a share of the spoils at the final whistle. The draw saw African Stars reclaim top spot on the log with 22 points after Mighty Gunners dropped points at home in a 2-0 defeat to Young African. Gunners now sit second on 21 points from 12 matches.
UNAM, who had been third on 19 points, slipped one place to fourth on 20 points as Eeshoke Chula Chula moved up to third on 21 points following a narrow 1-0 victory over Okahandja United. Okahandja United remain 12th on the log with 12 points.
In other matches also played on Saturday, former log leaders KK Palace ended a difficult run of form by collecting a point on the road in a 1-1 draw against Bucs Buccaneers. Palace are now fifth with 19 points, while the Buccaneers sit ninth on 15 points.
Rundu Chiefs once again let valuable points slip despite a strong performance, drawing 2-2 with coastal side Blue Waters after leading for much of the match. The result lifted Rundu Chiefs out of the relegation zone into 13th place on 11 points, level with Tigers, who occupy the relegation spot in 14th.
Tigers suffered a 3-2 defeat to Life Fighters, who climbed off the bottom of the table to 15th place on 10 points. Julinho Sporting dropped to the foot of the log after a 1-0 loss to Eleven Arrows in Walvis Bay, leaving them on seven points from 11 matches. Eleven Arrows moved up to eighth position with 16 points.