MARTIN UKARERANI The MTC Namibia Premier League's second round kicked off last night in Windhoek at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, between old Katutura foes African Stars and Orlando Pirates. Pirates called for an early substitute when Terdius Uiseb came off with an injury, and was replaced by Nicky Musambani after only 15 minutes. Log leaders African Stars on the other hand were dominating the first half, with Engelhardt Kahua putting in some strong runs down the right wing and shot wide on 24 minutes, but Pirates immediately counter-attacked with a cross by Stanley Kamesiepo being cleared for a corner. Stars took the lead on 33 minutes when Edwin Korukuve pounced onto a poor back pass by Innocent Tembo, but Pirates' keeper Welcome Nail brought off a point blank save. African Star coach Bobby Samaria said the team needs to get more game time in order for them to get back. Samaria also added that he wasn’t happy with the opportunities that his team missed, especially in the first half. Samaria believed that fitness is also another factor but they will work on it. Despite everything else, he was still proud of his team for putting up a good fight. Stars' strikers Panduleni Nekundi and Ambrosius Amseb both missed chances in the second half, which was interspersed by numerous stoppages due to fouls and injuries. Pirates came close on 73 minutes when Stars' defence couldn't clear a Stanley Kamesiepo freekick and the ball bounced around dangerously in the box before finally being cleared. Orlando Pirates coach Ivan Namaseb believed his team could have done better. “I’m proud of the boys, but a bit disappointed that our new signing Terdius Uiseb got injured 15 minutes into the game. We wasted a number of chances as we could have won this game. However, I guess a draw is much better than loosing, so we have roped in a number of youngsters and are looking forward to the second leg." In the final stages, Tjiuana Tja Tjinotjiua and Panduleni both came close for Stars, but Pirates' defence ultimately stood firm.