Stars fall in Botswana

African Stars heartbreakingly lost their battle against Jwaneng Galaxy FC in Gaborone on Saturday, bringing their hopes of reaching new heights in the CAF Champions League to an end.

The Namibian champions had beaten their Botswana counterpart 1-0 the previous weekend, before Saturday’s second leg ended at 1-0 in the home team’s favour.

Being all-square on aggregate and with elimination enforced through penalties, Jwaneng Galaxy survived 6-5.

Speaking post-match, captain Ronald Ketjijere said it was a tough encounter, as they had expected.

“We had some good moments and good opportunities which we could have finished better. It was disappointing, because at this stage of the competition you can’t afford to miss opportunities.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow. We knew that Galaxy would be desperate, but they left space behind and we did not come sufficiently to the party.”

Team manager Lesley Kozonguizi’s summation was that African Stars had fought hard in order to be there.

“The team impressed us over the two legs, but it was not enough to put us through.

“There is however a progress that we are seeing with the team.

“We will apply the lessons learned and will keep growing, in order for us to succeed one day,” the veteran administrator said.

Head coach Ronny Kanalelo’s squad will now turn their focus back to the upcoming Debmarine Namibia Premier Football League and their preparation for a third consecutive title.