With only a draw needed to advance to the 2016 Varsity Football semifinals, the Central University of Technology (CUT) hosted a North-West University (NWU-Mafikeng) side hoping to join the Bloemfonteiners in the semis.
After NWU-Mafikeng got the ball rolling, CUT had an early chance which was cleared by Wendelle Martin. The visitors nearly took the lead when Tshepo Tshikare was dispossessed, only for Sandile Mbatha to sky his shot over the cross bar after finding himself unmarked in the box.
In the absence of Orapeleng Manopole, it was up to Kalteho Motaung to galvanise the side. Motaung found himself in good territory, only for NWU-Mafikeng shotstopper Amogelang Maduo to intercept the opportunity. Maduo injured himself in the process. Following extensive medical attention, Maduo was good to continue the match. Midway through the first half, CUT came close to taking the lead when Bongani Matsemela’s powerful header met the crossbar.
In an eventful opening stanza, NWU may have gone to the break the happier of the sides after sustained dominance.
Ten minutes into the second half, CUT’s Tumelo Njoti hit the upright with a powerful shot. Mogomotsi Molefe followed what seemed to now be a match tradition when his powerful shot struck the upright to awaken the CUT defence. A minute later, a long-ball found Cameron Chweu in space, only for Martin to excellently clear the ball to safety. With only eight minutes remaining, NWU-Mafikeng came close to grabbing the spoils, but CUT’s Zolani Ligunya parried the powerful shot to safety.
In injury time, a multitude of CUT players missed out on a loose ball in the box. NWU-Mafikeng came close to sealing the match when they struck both the upright and the crossbar in quick succession.
FNB Man of the Match: Wendelle Martin (NWU)
Teams:
CUT: Zolani Ligunya (GK); Lehloa Morena, Tshepo Tshikare, Bongani Matsemela (c), Sello Mokhele, Karabo Mojafi, Tumelo Njoti, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Cameron Chweu, Katleho Molakeng, Katleho Motaung.
Subs: Mpho Motsoahole (GK), Pule Thaele, Elliot Mekwa, Vusi Vena, Rakgomo Taole, Neo Sebudi, Abrahm Singozo.
NWU-Mafikeng: Amogelang Maduo (GK); Tshepo Desmond, Mojuda Matlhanyane, Sifiso Ngwenya, Wendelle Martin, Sipho Mateis, Vusumuzi Ludwala, Sandile Mbatha (c), Orebotse Mongae, Mogomotsi Molefe, Thapelo Tlabakwe.
Subs: Luzuko Jevuka (GK); Thabang Makgwane, Tshepo Baholo, Katlego Banda, Tshepo Mediro, Koketso Motsile, Tebogo Mokgobo.
By Phenyo Mokgothu
