Chilufya grabs a point for Civics 11.12. 2006
Cortesy by Namibiasport
A second half equaliser by William Chilufya gave Civics a point against Orlando Pirates on Sunday and saved them the ignominy of starting their title defence with two straight defeats.
After going down 1-0 to Black Africa the previous day, Civics once again looked out of sorts against Pirates, who will feel disappointed for not taking three points from the game.
After a cagey first half of few chances, Pirates started the second half on fire with Klaas Blom providing the dynamite. The bustling midfielder first had a great shot on the turn tipped for a corner and then broke free in the box to latch onto a centre, shooting narrowly wide.
Cracking shot by Nanub Pirates kept on attacking and barely a minute later Neville Nanub pounced on to a loose ball to crack it into the net from about 20 metres out.
Pirates continued to create chances, notably through Blom, Riaan Cloete and Tommy Horaeb, but Civics' defence held out. Chilufya finally grabbed the equaliser in the 75th minute, stabbing a defence splitting pass from Brian Brendell into the net.
Chilufya nearly scored a second three minutes later but his shot was cleared off the line by Horaeb. Civics' frustration boiled over in the final minutes as Jamu Ngatjizeko was sent off after two successive fouls, while Rudi Louw nearly also got his marching orders for arguing with the referee.
Pirates' assistant coach Mabos Ortmann was also frustrated after the game, telling Namibia Sport that Chilufya's goal was clearly offside.
It was a fine performance by Pirates, with Blom having a great game, but for defending champions Civics it was once again disappointing. They are still struggling to find the right combinations, while William Chilufya fought a lonely battle up front.