In a dusty Bloemfontein, the Central University of Technology had an opportunity to further rewrite their own history when they faced a buoyant University of Johannesburg for a place in the Varsity Football final.
The match began at a low tempo with the visitors having the lion’s share of the ball. Soon after both teams had settled, CUT were awarded a penalty, with Sbongeleni Gamede going into the book. Tshepo Tshikare stepped up to fire low through the centre of the goal.
A rash challenge on Tebogo Mandyu saw Karabo Mojafi being the second man to be recorded in the book. UJ were soon awarded a freekick just outside the box. Dane Fortuin calmly slotted past the wall and into the net. However, the goal was disallowed for an offside player, much to the dismay of the visitors. Deep into the half, Sbongeleni Gamede nearly halted the hearts of the home supporters when he struck the upright with a timely header.
On the hour mark, Zolani Ligunya came to CUT’s rescue when he expertly parried a Gamede shot over the bar. Following the resultant corner, UJ were awarded a freekick just outside the box. Tebogo Mandyu failed to beat the wall as the ball struck a teammate and went out for a goal kick. Against the run of play, Gamede teed off substitute Tshepo Tolo, who equalised through a deflection, that looped over the keeper’s head and into CUT’s goals.
CUT’s Taole Rakgomo could have killed off the game when his shot was blocked in the box. That was to be the last real chance as the match went into a penalty shoot-out. In the end, UJ’s Mpumelelo Motsoahole dived to his right, to save Keitumetse Mabathoana shot, and CUT’s fifth penalty, sending his teammates into ecstasy as they progressed to the final with a 4-3 victory on penalties.
FNB Man of the Match: Tumelo Njoti (CUT)
Scorers:
CUT: Tshepo Tshikare (P)
UJ: Tshepo Tolo
Teams:
CUT: Zolani Ligunya (GK); Lehloa Morena, Tshepo Tshikare, Bongani Matsemela (c), Sello Mokhele, Karabo Mojafi, Tumelo Njoti, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Cameron Chweu, Abrahm Singozo, Katleho Motaung.
Subs: Mpho Motsoahole (GK), Pule Thaele, Elliot Mekwa, Vusi Vena, Rakgomo Taole, Neo Sebudi,; Katleho Molakeng.
UJ: Mpumelelo Sambo (GK), Given Msimango, Matthew Edwards, Funnynight Sisimogang, Dane Fortuin, Hayden Slava, Samuel Warder, Tebogo Mandyu, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Wade Rowe, Sbongeleni Gamede
Subs: Simphiwe Xaba (GK), Pogise Mabote, Rufino Sanunda, Tshepo Tolo, Jared Abrahams, Melusi Mahlaba, Ruwell Jagger
Yellow cards:
CUT: Karabo Mojafi, Morena Lehloa, Abrahm Singozo
UJ: Sbongeleni Gamede, Matthew Edwards
By Sam Styrax
