NWU-Mafikeng lost their opening match against UJ due to weak defense on Monday 18 July 2016 at NWU-Mafikeng Stadium. Winning by a devastating 6-2 against, University of Johannesburg dominated the second half of the game.
In what started as a hotly contested match between the two comeback kids in the tournament, supporters were cheering with invigorated cheerfulness in the first few minutes of the game. But the supporters’ energy slowly dissipated as UJ kept knocking in the goals.
NWU-Mafikeng drew first blood early on off their first corner when David Ngwenya headed in, but UJ soon drew level thanks to a Matthew Edwards header, also resulting from a corner. NWU-Mafikeng were back in front after 27 minutes thanks to another corner headered in by Thapelo Tlabakwe. But after that, in a moment of madness, the ball was passed back to NWU-Mafikeng goalkeeper Amogelang Maduo and bobbled over his foot as it reached him, ending in the back of the net. It was 2-2 at the break.
In the second half UJ came out firing and punished a poor NWU-Mafikeng defence. The goals rained in as the match ended 6-2 in favour of Mandla Zwane’s men.
“These things happen in football. We didn’t play that bad and a
I am confident we will bounce back. Having conceded goals first, we slowed down the attack and that cost us. Expect improved defense in the next match,” said NWU-Mafikeng coach Amos Xabanisa.
“It’s still a good call for us, we’re still going to do well no need to press the panic button. It’s a team effort, whatever happened today we all take the blame. UJ was the better team and they deserve credit,” said NWU-Mafikeng team captain Sipho Mateis.
Also bagging the crowd-favorite FNB Man of the Match award, was Tebogo Mandyu.
FNB Man of the Match: Tebogo Mandyu (UJ)
Scorers:
UJ:
Matthew Edwards (2)
Tshepo Makgopela OG
Tshepo Tolo
Emmanuel Ndu
Samuel Warder
NWU-Mafikeng:
David Ngwenya
Thapelo Tlabakwe
Teams:
NWU-Mafikeng: Amogelang Maduo, Gift Mogorosi, Mojuda Matlhanyane, David Ngwenya, Tshepo Mediro, Sipho Mateis, Tshepo Makgopela, Sandile Mbatha, Orebotse Mongae, Mogomotsi Molefe, Thapelo Tlabakwe
Subs: Luzuko Jevuka, Thabang Makgwane, Tshepo Baholo, Thabisang Maila, Wendelle Martin, Katlego Banda, Vusumuzi Ludwala
UJ: Damaine van der Walt, Ruwell Jagger, Matthew Edwards, Funnynight Sisimogang, Dane Fortuin, Lindani Mazibuko, Omphile Majwafi, Tebogo Mandyu, Tshepo Tolo, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Sbongeleni Gamede
Subs: Mpumelelo Sambo, Emmanuel Ndu, Samuel Warder, Ntokozo Tshabalala, Jared Abrahams, Given Msimango, Sanele Mthethwa
By Phenyo Mokgothu
