The opening day of the 32nd edition of the Philly’s Games brought Ivory Park to a standstill as more than 7 000 football fans flocked to the Ema 7 football ground on Wednesday for four mouth-watering fixtures.
The opening game between Cheese and Skepe-Nketole ended in a goalless draw.
The two local teams will now have to wait for the second leg to battle it out again with the winner moving on to the next round.
The first #PhillysGames match got off to a great start, and ended in a draw.
— DStv (@DStv) December 20, 2023
Cheese F.C. 0 - 0 Skepe Nketole ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Dpcx16x71J
The 2023 DStv Champ of Champs winners, Phaphama FC from Mpumalanga took on local side Abarondoli, formerly coached by Jerry Sikhosana.
The game ended in a 2-2 stalemate, with Phaphama coming from behind on both occasions to force a draw.
It’s a day for draws so far at #PhillyGames.
— DStv (@DStv) December 20, 2023
Abarondoli 2 - 2 Phaphama F.C. pic.twitter.com/d5GvlJiCNT
The 2pm kick-off produced five goals as newcomers Sun Rise FC beat The Hot B Team 3-2 to take an advantage into the second leg over the weekend.
The game of draws was finally broken at #PhillysGames when Sun Rise won against The Hot B Team 🔥🔥🔥
— DStv (@DStv) December 20, 2023
Sun Rise 3 - 2 The Hot B Team ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/n9Umc7CyQG
In the final game of the day, Izidla Mlilo from Daveyton took on popular Tembisa side Amandla FC who have previously won the tournament.
Amandla ran away 2-0 winners in this first-leg encounter.
The last #PhillysGames match of the day ended in an epic celebration, with fans taking over the field as the final whistle blew 🔥
— DStv (@DStv) December 20, 2023
Izidla Mlilo 0 - 2 Amandla F.C. pic.twitter.com/thxxwoZZBm
Day 2 will see Soweto Super United take on Alexander side Gomora United at 10am.
Mudagasi FC square off against Marashia at noon, while Naseem Aca7 lock horns with Kathlehong side Musa United at 2pm.
Popular side Mambas FC, who will be led by Xolani Blackberry Nkala, face off against MFDN Global in the final fixture of the day.
Catch all the games live on SuperSport 202/209.