A stunning free kick from UP-Tuks’ Alexandra Michael paved the way for an exciting 2-1 win against UWC in the Varsity Women’s Football tournament at the Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds on Friday afternoon.

The match could have gone either way but Tuks stuck to their game plan and took their chances to come out victorious and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Tuks took a deserved lead from a corner when Abueng Nchabeleng stroked her shot past Regirl Ngobeni to make it 1-0 in the Pretoria girls’ favour. Nchabeleng enjoyed the goal and her celebration merited the hard work that the team had put in during the first 10 minutes.

Alexandra Michael caused the UWC defence numerous headaches and hit a rasping shot after cutting infield from the left hand side. Ngobeni was up to the task and kept her side in the game.

Tuks were playing some beautiful football as slick touches between Natasha de Almeida and Themekwhanati Mncina were delightful to watch. For all their industry, UP-Tuks soon saw themselves conceding a goal when UWC’s Abongile Dlani scored the equaliser from close range.

This was somewhat against the run of play and showed how lethal UWC can be when they are given opportunities in the box.

Micheal, though, kept harassing the UWC defence whenever she had the chance as Tuks kept attacking through the left hand side, but to no avail as UP-Tuks couldn’t find another goal in the first half.   

UWC had a glorious opportunity to take the lead just before half-time but the cross bar stood in their way as the side went in 1-1 at the break.

UWC’s Thalea Smidt was pulling the strings for her side in the second half as she beat a couple of defenders on a number of mazy runs. She also once stung the hands of keeper Kate Radebe who produced a fine diving save to her right.

Tuks brought on Tania Oliveira with 2 minutes to go in order to inject some pace and movement on the right hand side. This seemed to work as UP-Tuks looked more threatening and got a free-kick about 25 metres from goal.

Up stepped Michael to further emphasise her talent with a brilliant direct free kick that gave keeper Ngobeni no chance as the ball dipped into the top right hand corner. It was 2-1 to Tuks as they regained the lead.

UWC had calls for a penalty minutes later but the referee did not blow the whistle in their favour as Tuks kept the lead with 15 minutes to go.

Tuks now had to relax and keep their composure as the afternoon heat began to take its toll on the players.

Michael had a chance to double her side’s advantage with an audacious shot from long range, but Ngobeni was up to the challenge with a smart save. In the end Tuks held their nerve in the final minutes for a crucial three points.  

FNB Player of the Match:  Alexandra Michael (Tuks)
Samsung Best Shot Award: Alexandra Michael (Tuks)

Scorers
Tuks: 2
Goals: Abueng Nchabeleng, Alexandra Michael

UWC: 1
Goals: Abongile Dlani

Teams
Tuks: Kate Radebe, Abueng Nchabeleng, Thandokazi Chithi, Zinise Norris, Katrina Maguire, Moyahabo Monyemangena, Temakhwanati Mncina, Natasha De Almeida, Vuyelwa Makhura, Alexandra Michael, Amilcar Thobejane
Subs: Prestigious Sibanda, Sheila Simango, Luchandre McKenzie, Tania Oliveira, , Merelle Malan, Takalani Ndlovu, Thandekile Mnguni.

UWC: Regirl Ngobeni, Aaqilah Alfreds, Nicole October © Bongeka Jezile, Nolubabalo Sishuba, Thalea Smidt, Lauren Johnathan, Puleng Moremi, Kiara Braun, Abongile Dlani, Jaime-Lee Peters
Subs:  Tamia Milligan, Tamlin Dias, Gracious Baloi, Miche Oosthuizen, Amanda Lamani

By Wouter Pienaar