18 Aug 2024

A solitary strike in the 5th minute of the first half courtesy of a Willie Stefanus header was enough to give Namibia champions, African Stars, the lead against Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round at the National Stadium on Saturday.

The game was played in Gaborone due to lack of a CAF accredited stadium in Namibia.

Even though they were officially playing away, many were expecting Galaxy to benefit from the actual home ground, but the Samba Boys, as African Stars are fondly known, were the better side in the first half, ensuring to close any danger avenue by Galaxy.

They seemed to have done their homework well on Galaxy as they closed down danger man, Thabang Sesinyi for the better part of the game, ensuring he does not even sniff the final third.

In a post match interview, Galaxy coach, Morena Ramoreboli indicated that despite the loss, their performance was not that bad. “We are obviously disappointed with the result, but looking at the overall performance we were not that bad in all the areas of the game except the defence,” he said.

He indicated that going into the second leg, they would not need to fix much except in that area. “We were poor defensively and they ensured to take advantage of that and put us under pressure, but we will take the positive into the second leg in that we were better in the second half,” he said.

Ramoreboli said the game was still very much alive as Galaxy was experienced in coming from behind.

Even though he said he took a gamble by introducing about four of his new signings he was happy with the way they executed themselves.

Ramoreboli started Galaxy returnee, Benson Mangolo and introduced Onkabetse Makgantai, Olebogeng Ramotse and Lesotho international, Neo Mokhachane in the second half.

The winning coach, Ronnie Kanalelo said even though his side was good in the first half, they were let down by poor execution in the final third.

“We will need to be more precise in that area because we lacked the final punch, otherwise all the areas were fine,” he said.

Kanalelo said one key area they managed to overcome Galaxy with was closing down their wingers, forcing them into playing a short game.

“By closing their wingers, we forced them to try and penetrate us through the middle, which is not their strength. Nevertheless they are a good side and have better and more experienced players in continental football,” he said.

The Samba Boys will remain in Gaborone to await the final leg of the first preliminary round.

The two will face each other at the National Stadium on Saturday. And should Galaxy go through, they will face the winner between Disciples FC of Madagascar and Orlando Pirates of South Africa.

Meanwhile, in the CAF Confederations Cup, Orapa United played to a one all-draw away to Forester FC of Mauritius. The goal was scored by Oarabile Sekwai.

Orapa United will host Forester FC for the second leg in Gaborone on Sunday.

Orapa United will face either Dynamos FC of Zimbabwe or Zesco United of Zambia, if they progress to the second preliminary round. Ends