Wits goalkeeper Matthew Carelse saved everything UJ threw at him as Wits defeated UJ 4-3 on penalties to go to the Varsity Football final.
The first half was a battle of attrition between the two sides. UJ did all they could to get past the Wits defence, but the blue wall remained impenetrable.
The second half heated up though, when UJ star Mokete Mogaila was brought down in the Wits box with the Orange Army being awarded a penalty. UJ’s Karl Clements stepped up to the plate and shot left but the ever-vigilant Wits goalkeeper Carelse saved the ball with an outstretched glove.
Both teams struggled to score in the dying moments of the game with only two minutes added for extra time. The scintillating fixture went to penalty shootouts. UJ started off well but the eventual FNB Player of the Match, Carelse, was incredible in goal and saved two UJ shots.
Wits will host TUT at the WIts Stadium on 27 September for the Varsity Football final.
FNB Player of the Match: Matthew Carelse (Wits)
Samsung Moment of Brilliance: Matthew Carelse (Wits)
Debonairs Real Deal Save: Matthew Carelse (Wits)
Scorers
UJ: 0
Penalties: 3
Scorers: Nkosinathi Sibiya, Alan Mabuza, O’Neil Hendriks
Wits: 0
Penalties: 4
Scorers: Tshireletso Motsogi, Mahle Mtabane, Lerotholi Manala, Bradley Mongwe
Teams
UJ: Alan Mabuza, Dane Fortuin, Nkosinathi Sibiya, Tebogo Mandyu, Neo Lebopa, Karl Clements, Potoko Mametja, Keitumetse Mabothoana, Pogiso Mabote, Mokete Mogaila, Vuthlari Mathebula
Substitutes: Sandile Ngobese, Lunga Tshabalala, O’Neil Hendricks, Mnyamezeli Dlamini, Ziyaad Fredericks, Hassan Makhubela, Lesego Sebetla
Wits: Matthew Carelse, Tshireletso Motsogi (C), Ndzalama Mongwe, Mahlolo Mphahlele, Thapelo Letsoalo, Saluleko Mathonsi, Kal Laing, Lerotholi Manala, Baliwe Moyakhe, Mahle Mtabane, Sandile Mbatha
Substitutes: Daniel Meyer, Tshenolo Maimane, Bokang Tlali, Stokeley Speelman, Keamogestwe Mokalake, Phindiqiniso Zungu, Waylan Rooi
