Abarondoli have won the 32nd edition of the Philly's Games after beating Rebels FC 2-1 in a pulsating final at a packed Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa on Tuesday afternoon.
This was Abarondoli's first title win in six appearances in the final, while Rebels' previous appearance in the finals was in 2015, when they were crowned champions after defeating Abarondoli 3-0.
In Tuesday's encounter, Rebels had the ball in the back of the net as early as the 10th minute, but Kyle Koert was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up to the goal.
Koert was in fine form for the 2015 champions as he bossed the midfield and won every battle.
Abarondoli though scored first through a header from a corner kick as Themba Ndlovu made it 1-0 in the 41st minute.
The Tembisa side went into halftime leading and with one hand on the trophy.
It’s halftime and the score is Abarondoli 1 - 0 Rebels. The tensions are high la kwa #PhillysGames 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/eSCzl1So9X
— DStv (@DStv) January 2, 2024
However, Rebels, with their 'never say die' attitude, continued to press and they restored parity through supersub Cameron Pholle who scored in the 77th minute with his first touch.
With a minute left before the final whistle, James Everson scored the winner for Abarondoli.
Rebels nearly equalised but a crucial block made sure the scoreline didn’t change.
The 2-1 win saw Abarondoli collect a cheque of R220 000 and the coveted trophy as they now stand a chance of appearing in the DStv Champ of Champs in 2024 if they win the regional qualifiers.
The smiles of victory are all around as Abarondoli are named the #PhillysGames champions 🏆🎉 pic.twitter.com/kEmfjM7t5t
— DStv (@DStv) January 2, 2024
2023/24 PHILLY'S GAMES IN NUMBERS
Themba Ndlovu - Abarondoli 5 goals
Jose Garcia - Rebels 4 goals
Laudy Mukaba - Skepe Nkentule 4 goals
Mpho Kobola - One Lion 3 goals
Christopher Mabunda - Abarondoli 2 goals
Lonwabo Makhubo - Abarondoli 2 goals
Euclid Palmer - Rebels 2 goals
Left Chechane - Gomora 2 goals
TOURNAMENT BRACES
Jan Mosima - Sunrise
Bheki Tshabalala -The Hot B team
Luthando Zulu - Soweto Super United
Bongani Mthabela - AMa-BEE
Themba Lucky Ndlovu - Abarondoli
Joseph Banyane - AT Mambas
Jose Garcia - Rebels (two braces)
Laudy Mukaba - Skepe Nketule
Tshepo Siketso - AT Mambas
Kabelo Moagi - The Hot B team
TEAMS ELIMINATED WITHOUT SCORING ANY GOALS
- Cheese
- Marashiya
- MFDN
MOST PROLIFIC SCORING TEAMS
- Abarondoli 15 goals
- The Hot B team 11 goals
- Rebels 11goals
- Mambas 10 goals
- Gomora 9 goals
- One Lion 9 goals
- Skepe Nkentule 6 goals
- Isithembiso 5 goals
CLEANSHEETS FOR THE FINALISTS
- Rebels 2-0 Musa United
- Rebels 0-0 AT Mambas
- Rebels 1-0 Gomora
- Abarondoli 1-0 Phaphama