NWU came from behind twice to earn a hard fought 2-2 against UP-Tuks in an exciting and entertaining match in Pretoria.
The game lived up to the pre-match hype as both sides threw everything at their opponents as top spot was up for grabs for the winner.
UP-Tuks enjoyed early possession but struggled to test Amogelang Maduo in the NWU goals.
Lindani Dadulo had a chance to put the visitors ahead in the 20th minute but his shot flew over the net.
Mbongeni Masilela broke the deadlock in the 24th minute for the home side when he pounced on a defensive slip to beautifully slot the ball into the back of the net.
The goal was just what the game needed as the pace intensified with NWU going in search of the equaliser but were denied by a well organised Tuks defence.
Orebotse Mongae had a great chance to bring NWU level in the 37th minute but he sent his shot wide of the Tuks goal.
UP-Tuks held a narrow 1-0 lead at the halftime interval.
The home side started the second half with a bang as Robin Swartz started pulling the strings. Their efforts were rewarded in the 56th minute when Jeremiah Nkwana tapped in from close range to extend the home side’s lead.
The visitors struck back immediately from the restart when Sandile Mbatha slotted the ball into the Tuks net when he latched onto a long pass from Tshenolo Machwisa to half the home side’s lead.
Both sides went on an all-out attack and it would be the visitors who would draw level in the 81st minute thanks to a calm finish by Mongae who capitilised on a defensive error by the hosts.
UP-Tuks threw everything they had at their visitors in the final minutes of the match but NWU held on to pick up their first point against Tuks in three matches between the sides.
FNB Man of the Match: Lawrence Ntswane
Samsung Super Striker: Orebotse Mongae
Goalscorers:
For UP: Masilela, Nkwana
For NWU: Dudula, Mongae
UP-Tuks: 32 Lebo Ngubeni, 3 Robin Swartz, 8 Nicholas Killas, 13 Lindsay Stowman, 4 Lawrence Ntswane, 10 Jeremiah Nkwana, 11 Richard Moremi, 5 Simbongile Njokwe, 15 Jarryd Van Den Berg, 2 Botshelo Mfulwane, 9 Mbongeni Masilela.
Substitutes: 1 Nicholas Stothard, 21 Khumbulani Siluma, 7 Luke Steyl, 20 Thabo Ndlovu, 22 Dean Wilkinson, 18 Lucky Mathosi, 23 Vuze-Umuze Khoza.
NWU-Mafikeng: 1 Amogelang Maduo, 7 Sipho Mateis, 2 Lebogang Phetlhu, 3 Sifiso Ngwenya, 20 Tseko Weevirs, 12 Mogomotsi Molefe, 6 Sandile Mbatha, 13 Thatohatsi Santos, 10 Orebotse Mongae, 9 Tshenolo Machwisa, 11 Lindani Dudula.
Substitutes: 16 Xolani Mtshali, 24 Aobakwe Mopelwa, 25 Goitseone Naane, 21 Lebogang Motshegare, 22 Madie Makwela, 18 Thapelo Tlabakwe, 8 Kagiso Modimoeng.
