A late free kick from Neo Makua on the Green Mile saw Wits claim their first Varsity Football victory in dramatic style against UCT.
The last-minute strike was Wits’ first goal in the competition, and it proved to be extremely valuable for the Johannesburg outfit as they took all three points.
The match was hard-fought from the outset, with both teams creating some good opportunities in the first half without being able to capitalise.
UCT were enjoying good support from the home crowd and took the game to their opposition but lacked the finishing touch to make their dominance count.
The pressure on the Wits defence told when Keorpetse Molete was shown a yellow card for a tough challenge, but the match remained goalless.
UCT’s Lukas Metzmacher had a great chance to give his side the lead, but his shot flew wide.
The home side kept the pressure on with a series of corners and free kicks, with Wits goalkeeper Kgabisi Mohale kept busy, but he rose to the challenge each time.
The match looked as if it was headed for a goalless draw before Makua stepped up in injury time to break the home supporters’ hearts with his late strike.
FNB man of the match: Lwazi Maziya
The scorers:
For Wits: Neo Makua
UCT: 1 Bevan Adonis, 6 Byron Donaldson, 21 Jonathan Melamdowitz, 12 Velaphi Vilakazi, 15 Thami Malusi, 25 Lwazi Maziya, 10 Mcebisi Mtshali, 19 Anees Cozyn, 7 Lukas Metzmacher, 8 Miro Koehler, 14 Wisy Namaseb.
Reserves: 3 Thabiso Mmotlana, 18 PJ Roberts, 17 Lerato S’gebengu, 13 Asanda Dlamini, 23 Steele Katzeff, 20 Thami Mehlo, 11 Mwansa Chalwe.
Wits: 1 Kgabisi Mohale, 4 Nelson Mwale, 14 Sanele Njoko, 8 Phenyo Mongalo, 3 Hope Munyai, 15 Muzimkhulu Nhlengethwa, 12 Ntsika Ngcobo, 10 Zachary Cohen, 24 Tshepo Motsukunyane, 11 Neo Makua, 7 Keorpetse Molete.
Reserves: 17 Bandile Mathandela, 16 Minki Mtshali, 18 Innocent Magasela, 21 Joseph Mushi, 2 Emanuel Makafane, 21 Milton Mothokoa, 19 Phiweyo Hlophe.
