Log leaders UJ were held to a 1-1 draw by defending champions UFS at UJ Soweto Stadium but remain at the summit of the Varsity Football standings.
UL also secured a valuable point after playing to a 1-1 draw against UWC at UWC Stadium. TUT bounced back from last week’s defeat with a 3-2 victory over DUT, while Wits claimed a 2-1 win over their neighbours, UP-Tuks, to strengthen their position in the race for the semifinals.
DUT 2-3 TUT
TUT secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over DUT at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday in an entertaining encounter that produced five goals and plenty of late drama.
The visitors struck first in the 12th minute when a breakaway down the left flank resulted in a dangerous cross. Likho James hit the upright with his attempt, but TUT captain Lucky Raphala reacted quickest, smashing the rebound into the roof of the net.
DUT responded immediately, with Awande Buthelezi steering a volley across goal for the equaliser. The match remained energetic, with Buthelezi nearly completing his brace before halftime.
TUT regained the lead in the 52nd minute after slick play inside the box. The initial shot was parried by the DUT goalkeeper, but Akani Rathokoa reacted quickest to the rebound and fired home to make it 2-1.
DUT fought back to level the contest, but TUT had the final say. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Ntshuxeko Mkhabela calmly converted a late penalty to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory and maximum points for the Red Army.
SCORERS
DUT: (1) 2
Awande Buthelezi X2.
TUT: (1) 3
Lucky Raphala, Ntshuxeko Mkhabela, Akani Rathokoa.
Player of the Match: Nkosiyezwe Buthelezi (TUT)
TEAMS:
DUT: Sekwanele Mtolo, Luyanda Ntuli, Nkululeko Nkosi, Zethembe Dlamini, Amahle Maduma, Sandiso Xaba, Bonga Mthembu, Fanelesibonge Ndwandwe, Phiwayinkosi Mchunu, Nkosiyezwe Buthelezi, Awande Buthelezi.
TUT: Khalefo Debeshe, Oreratile Mapudi, Ntshuxeko Mkhabela, Tshiamo Rantho, Lehlomo Tolo, Thobani Ngwenya, Matsobane Chipana, Lucky Raphala, Kearabilwe Mphahlele, Akani Rathokoa, Likho James.
UJ 1-1 UFS
The biting cold and swirling winds of Soweto proved to be the ultimate game-changer during the Varsity Football clash, where the UJ Men’s team battled out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the UFS at the UJ Soweto Stadium.
With the relentless wind at their backs and a cold drizzle during the opening half, UFS capitalised on the elements to dominate possession and pin the host team deep in their own territory. However, UJ’s defense remained composed under pressure, thwarting early surges from the visitors.
Despite frantic end-to-end action as both sides searched for an opening goal from the few chances, goals remained sparse in the first half. The game's first major flashpoint arrived in the 43rd minute when UJ defender Yasidu Lifa committed a foul in the box during an awkward clearance attempt. UFS was awarded a penalty, but UJ goalkeeper Bayanda Mkhonza rose to the occasion, pulling off a vital save against Jerome James' spot-kick to keep the scoreline level heading into the break.
The second half saw a slight drop in overall match tempo, yet it saved all of its drama for a chaotic final ten minutes, dictated entirely by refereeing decisions inside the 18-yard box.
In the 83rd minute, UJ found themselves in trouble again. Lifa fouled a UFS attacker on the edge of the box while attempting to shield a ball out of play, prompting the referee to point to the spot for the second time in favour of the visitors. UFS took an unconventional approach by calling upon their own goalkeeper - a trusted set-piece specialist in this encounter – to take the pressure kick. Though Mkhonza leapt heroically and managed to get a hand to the effort, the ball had too much power, sliding into the net to put UFS 1-0 ahead.
UJ’s response was swift and decisive. Just three minutes later, UJ forward Tshepo Mosieleng was brought down inside the area by the UFS goalkeeper, resulting in the third penalty of the match. Stepping up to the spot under immense pressure, Orange Army left-back Koketso Mathidza coolly converted in the 86th minute to restore parity and rescue a vital point for the hosts.
As the final whistle blew, bringing an end to a tense, wind-battered contest, a relieved crowd dispersed into the Soweto night, having witnessed an unpredictable battle where both sides ultimately shared the spoils.
SCORERS:
UJ: (0) 1
Koketso Mathidza
UFS: (0) 1
Lethokuhle Makhaya
Player of the Match: Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza (UJ)
TEAMS:
UJ: Bayanda Mkhonza, Koketso Mathidza, Yasidu Lifa, Ofentse Motlhabi, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Ndabezinhle Nkosi, Elijah Banda, Sandile Nkosi, Keletson Sekhwela, Ukhonaye Magele, Tshepo Mosieleng.
UFS: Lethokuhle Makhaya, Ben Kraai, Sandile Mhlanga, Philani Zondi, Itumeleng Louw, Luvuyo Kwasi, Tshepo Ndlovu, Jerome Jansen, Keabetswe Mofokeng, Samkelo Nakedi, Ivence Semenya.
WITS 2-1 UP-TUKS
Wits secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over UP-Tuks at Wits Stadium, overcoming an early setback and a late red card to claim all three points.
The crowd who braved the cold and wind erupted in the fourth minute when Wits were gifted an opportunity following a goalkeeping blunder. Prince Manku capitalised on the mistake to put the home side ahead, giving Wits an early 1-0 lead.
UP-Tuks responded almost immediately. In the eighth minute, an own goal by Wits allowed the visitors to draw level. The score remained 1-1 as both sides battled for an opening to regain the advantage.
Wits came close to restoring their lead in the 34th minute when captain Kgwadi Molepo saw his strike brilliantly kept out by goalkeeper Gennaro Johnson, diving to his left.
A minute later, Wits thought they had regained the lead when Thabo Mphaki found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled offside.
UP-Tuks continued to come under pressure, with Johnson proving instrumental in keeping his side level.
It was all to play for the second half, with both teams searching for the decisive goal. Wits found it just two minutes after the restart.
In the 47th minute, Tebogo Masemola struck a low shot towards the bottom right corner, just out of Johnson's reach. Wits regained the lead at 2-1.
UP-Tuks looked for a response and came close through a free kick in the 65th minute. Phiwayinkhosi Dube's effort was dealt with by Wits goalkeeper Lwando Mvinjana, producing an impressive high save to his left.
The home side were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute when Tshimologo Mokae was shown a red card after putting his studs onto an UP-Tuks player's ankle following an altercation.
With Wits down to ten players, UP-Tuks pushed hard for an equaliser, but the home side held firm through the closing stages. Four minutes of additional time were added, but Wits successfully protected their lead until the final whistle, seeing them qualify for the semis.
SCORERS:
Wits: (1) 2
Prince Manku, Tebogo Masemola
UP-Tuks: (1) 1
OG
Player of the Match: Obakeng Leping (Wits)
TEAMS:
Wits: Kgwadi Molepo (captain), Mxolisi Mthiya, Tebogo Masemola, Obakeng Leping, Kaihil Cloete, Prince Manku, Thabo Mphaki, Keabetswe Segaetsho, Simangaliso Dlamini, Lebokane Hlase, Lwando Mvinjana.
UP-Tuks: Gennaro Johnson, Samukelo Ngodela, Jason Cox, Paballo Mamabolo (captain), Nkosana Shabalala, Lebogang Mswane, Joshua Wood, Matome Rangata, Raymond Matlamela, Risen Albert, Ntokozo Madela.
UWC 0-1 UL
UWC escaped with a dramatic late point against a resilient UL side at the UWC Stadium, scoring with just three minutes of regulation time remaining.
Credit must go to the UL players and their management for a disciplined defensive display that saw them put their bodies on the line to protect their lead. However, their resistance finally ended in the 87th minute when substitute Zamian Plaatjies was fouled inside the penalty area.
UL, who have yet to win a match this season, came to UWC with little more than their pride and dignity to play for. Their game plan was simple: score early, sit back and defend.
And that is exactly what they did.
After taking an early lead, UL had little reason to surge forward. They dropped deep, often defending with five at the back, while leaving Thetho Mokae as the lone player up front.
It was a strategy that frustrated the home side and kept UWC at bay.
The visitors went into the halftime break leading 1-0, with their defensive structure proving difficult for UWC to break down.
The second half was a different story, with UWC dominating possession and territory. But despite waves after waves of attacks, the home side struggled to find a way through a UL defence that appeared ready for every shot and challenge thrown at them.
The match demanded individual brilliance from UWC, while the UL players continued to defend with determination.
Their travelling supporters also played their part, urging their team throughout the encounter. The chants of “Limpopo! Limpopo!” reverberated around the UWC Stadium, while the home crowd was unusually quiet until the decisive penalty.
SCORERS:
UWC: (0) 1
Luphuno Zini
UL: (1) 1
Mahlatse Selowa
Player of the Match: Reggie Kabelo Masebe (UL)
TEAMS:
UWC: Zubeir Mohamed, Zukhanye Qaba, Kamva Phillipis, Imaan January, Qhayisa Lekata, Malinga Mdodana, Iviwe Dyabhuza, Vuyani Ncosa, Asakhe George, Tyrese Davids, Mesuli Manzi and Relebohile Matima.
UL: Wisani Sibuyi, Fesbon Ngobeni, Malwandla Makamu, Reggie Kabelo Masebe, Kagiso Shokane, Mohlatlego Sekole, Lesedi Kgadima, Maano Phaswana, Mahlatse Selowa, Lethabo Baloyi, Xola Nava.