Arrows, Pirates play to pulsating draw

Eleven Arrows and Orlando Pirates delivered a stellar display of attacking football at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday in the MTC Premiership. The two teams went at each other from the first whistle, with former Spoilers and Blue Boys utility player Bolle Haraseb especially impressive for Eleven Arrows. Haraseb, who was picked as Arrows’ striker, harassed the Pirates defence with his strong running which culminated in the coastal team carving out several chances in the first 20 minutes. However, there would be no luck for Arrows during that early period of dominance as they failed to make use of their chances. As it were, Pirates wrested back control of the match with the midfield trio of Christiaan ‘Namaro’ Doeseb, Riaan Cloete and Klaas Blom getting the better of Arrows. But momentum swung back in favour of Arrows as they won a penalty just before halftime, which was neatly tucked away to give the Lucky Shipanga coached team a 1-0 lead. The second half saw more of the same attacking football on display with Pirates keeping most of the ball possession while Arrows relied on counter-attacks. The Katutura team finally managed to equalise when Cloete used all his experience to keep calm when the ball fell to his feet to score midway through the second stanza. Pirates were thus again in the ascendancy as the seemingly telepathic understanding between Blom and Cloete continued to bear fruit in terms of keeping possession. Despite the spectacle the fans were unfortunately not treated to any more goals as the game finished in a 1-1 stalemate. In the earlier match at the same venue, Civics managed a 1-0 victory over Blue Waters thanks to a headed goal by second half substitute Jarurako Uahupirapi. The win boosted will come as a welcome boost for Civics, who are in the relegation zone. Elsewhere, Tigers and African Stars could not beat their Rundu rivals at the Rundu Sport Stadium as both matches ended in draws. Julinho Sporting held Tigers to a 1-1 draw while United Stars kept African Stars from scoring in a 0-0 stalemate. HECTOR MAWONGA