With emotions running high it was set to be a cracker of game. History on the line, and debut honours – we were sure to be in for a show of a life time. In the end CUT were just too strong for the UFH defence as they won 2-0 on Monday 18 July in Alice.
The Central University of Technology came out guns blazing at kick-off. University of Fort Hare were under major pressure early in the game, with goalkeeper Mangona Phakamani being put to the test with on-target shooting from the men from Bloemfontein.
Persistency was the song for the day by the men from Bloemfontein as they were consistently on the offensive from the onset. Their rampant attack finally rewarded them as they managed to score a terrific goal by Keitumetse Mabathoana early in the game to secure a 1-0 lead in the first half. The men from Alice soon came to the pace as they had their own fair chance, but with their balls only managing to find the woodwork. The first half ended 1-0.
The second half got underway as the boys of University of Hare looked to make amends for their first half performance. But CUT again came out strong and put the boys from Alice under immediate pressure. CUT broke through the defence of University of Fort Hare and counter attacked, resulting in a stunning header from CUT’s Cameron Chweu in the first 10 minutes of the second half, increasing their lead to 2-0.
Fort Hare’s Bathandwa Zondani committed a foul and was given a yellow card as the boys from CUT continued to take shots at Fort Hare’s goalkeeper, but continued find the woodwork. Fort Hare got a free kick in the 87th minute of the game outside CUT’s box but missed the opportunity to score.
CUT began to slow down the game as the time drew closer to the 90th minute, by keeping possession of the ball. University of Fort Hare desperately tried to counter but to no avail. The CUT defence and goalkeeper were too strong. The final whistle blew and the match is ended in a 2-0 victory for CUT over the boys from Fort Hare. A gripping match filled with excitement, suspense and tears for Fort Hare.
FNB Man of the Match: Cameron Chweu (UFH)
Scorers:
CUT:
Cameron Chweu
Keitumetse Mabathoana
Teams:
UFH: Phakamani Mangona, Sijongesonke Peter, Masilive Nyosi, Mphumzi Siguba, Bathandwa Zondani, Lungisani Mqibelo, Banele Thompson, Ongeziwe Matika, AndileBatyi,Siphelele Qumba, Siphamandla Zanekile, YonwabaMadayi
Subs: Olwethu Bless, Bongisa Bomba, Siphenkosi Ngxoko, sindile Mlilo, Xolani Vuyani,Loyiso Jezie, Emmanuel Mashabela
CUT: Mpho Motsoahole, Morena Lehloa, Tshepo Tshikare, Bongani Matsemela (c), Sello Mokhele; Karabo Mojafi, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Abraham Singonzo; Orapeleng Manopole, Cameron Chweu, Katlego Motaung.
Subs: Zolane Ligunya, Rakgomo Taole, Tumelo Njoti, Vusi Vena, Katleho Molakeng, Neo Sebudi, Lebohang Pitlele.
By Kgoboko Kgoboko
