There was no separating UFS and UWC in Bloemfontein on Monday as they finished their Varsity Football clash level at 1-1.
The draw sees UWC earn their first log point of the tournament after two losses at home, whilst it was UFS’ second draw in their three games.
The home side made an ideal start as they pounced on some shaky defending to put the ball in the box and Tshepo Sefatsa was on hand to sweep it past the goalkeeper to give UFS a 1-0 lead.
UWC responded immediately by testing UFS goalkeeper Serasengoe Moodie, but he was equal to the task and tipped a rasping shot over the bar.
The contest for the ball was fierce as both teams showed plenty of commitment with possession changing hands quite often.
The visitors were looking dangerous going forward, and it was not long before they grabbed the equaliser with Lulama Lolwana following up on a shot at goal that was blocked by the goalkeeper to level matters at 1-1.
UFS skipper Ricco Sutil tested UWC goalkeeper Basikelele Mdletye with a stinging shot, but he pushed it around the post to keep his side on level terms.
The rest of the first half was quite tense as both teams battled to create opportunities and they went into the half-time break deadlocked at 1-1.
UWC started the second half with good attacking intent and took the game to the home team who were pushed back into their own half.
UFS absorbed the pressure well to keep the Cape side at bay, but their attacking opportunities had dried up as UWC pressed hard.
The Free State side had a rare opportunity with 20 minutes left to play, but Lehlohonolo Ramolebo’s free kick flew wide of the goal.
The final stages of the match saw both teams throw everything at each other, but neither could find the killer blow and they had to be happy with sharing the log points on offer.
FNB man of the match: Robin van Rensburg
The scorers:
For UFS: Tshepo Sefatsa
For UWC: Lulama Lolwana
UFS: 16 Serasengoe Moodie, 2 Lehlohonolo Ramolebo, 3 Unathi Mabandla, 4 Thato Skaut, 20 Khotso Tjemolane, 6 Manxubandile Bantshi, 8 Ricco Sutil, 11 Simon Modupi, 10 Tshepo Sefatsa, 18 Ernest Mohloki, 5 Mpuang Thuso.
Reserves: 1 Malefane Mokhachane, 15 Themba Zimo, 22 Christopher Makgoe, 13 Marothodi Phillies , 17 Jarred Meyer, 21 Elzandro Lewis.
UWC: 1 Basikelele Mdletye, 5 Cleo Pokpas, 4 Robbin Swartz, 8 Thando Ziwele, 18 Lulama Lolwana, 20 Lungelo Nokele, 9 Curtley Buekes, 23 Robin van Rensburg, 12 Simon Hlapa, 25 Reon October, 22 Xolisa Sigenu.
Reserves: 16 Mthobeli Lithiko, 2 Vincent Sobekwa, 11 Oupa Sawukazi, 14 Akhona Bonga, 19 Mvano Cwabane, 24 Lwando Mdleleni, 7 Sinovuyo Ranana.
