NWU came out on top against visitors UL at the North-West Stadium, where the hosts gave supporters a treat by edging their opponents 3-2 in a riveting affair on Monday night.
The visitors took the game to NWU in the opening minutes and the hosts resorted to making some harsh tackles which saw UL defender Ivan Tleane and playmaker Clyde Kgatla going down to receive treatment from medics.
A plucky UL were not thrown off though and broke the deadlock when Kgatla beat Amogelang Maduo for the visiting team to draw first blood, making the score 0-1 after 30 minutes.
NWU midfielder Matsobane Matsi then had to be stretchered off after the playmaker seemed to be seriously injured in another heavy challenge. It proved to be a false alarm and Matsi received treatment before returning to the field of play.
Late in the half NWU pushed forward and were rewarded after Orebotse Mongae burst through the UL defence and beat goalkeeper Jonathan Gole to level the match at 1-1 just before halftime.
Limpopo were keen to unsettle the hosts early in the second half and pressured the NWU defence with some attacking play. Striker Mahlatse Mogale gave the visitors the lead again after he eventually broke through the defence.
However, NWU defender Lebogang Phetlu managed to level matters again for the home side when he rose above the UL defenders to make the score 2-2 from a corner kick.
The visitors substituted playmaker Lindani Dudula and brought on Thapelo Tlabakwe in the hope of scoring again, but NWU had other ideas. The hosts tightened up their defence and kept their cool and striker Tshenolo Machwisa then ended the match when he beat goalkeeper Gole for NWU to win 3-2.
FNB Man of the Match: Orebotse Mongae
Samsung Super Striker: Clyde Kgatla
The Scorers:
For NWU: Mongae, Phetlu, Machwisa
For UL: Kgatla, Mogale
Teams:
NWU: 1 Amogelang Maduo, 7 Sipho Mateis, 2 Lebogang Phetlhu, 5 Kyle Amon, 20 Tseko Weevris, 12 Mogomotsi Molefe, 21 Lebogang Motshegare, 6 Sandile Mbatha, 15 Matsobane Matsi, 10 Orebotse Mongae, 18 Thapelo Tlabakwe.
Substitutes: 3 Sifiso Ngwenya, 25 Goitseone Naane, 13 Thatohatsi Santos, 9 Tshenolo Machwisa, 11 Lindani Dudula, 8 Kagiso Modimoeng.
UL: 2 Ivan Tleane, 6 Edgar Mafunisa, 24 Austin Dube, 13 Pholoshi Bapela, 12 Taelo Mphahlele, 9 Theo Phophi, 15 Tsietsi Tshehla, 11 Mahlatse Mogale, 1 Jonathan Gole, 8 Blondy Mohale, 7 Clyde Kgatla.
Substitutes: 16 Harold Ndhlovu, 21 Samuel Mathabathe, 10 Vuledzani Chikhala, 17 Nelson Ndhima, 19 Cyril Ndhlovu, 3 Rodgers Moletla.
