NMMU-Madibaz and Walter Sisulu University were forced to share the bragging rights as they played out to an exciting 1-1 draw in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.
The result leaves both sides at the wrong end of the table, with the home side left frustrated by some wayward finishing as they dominated of the proceedings.
WSU were under all sorts of pressure in the opening 10 minutes as the home side took the game to their visitors. Despite creating a few chances, the Madibaz could not land the killer blow.
The home side may have been dominant but they found themselves trailing in the 17th minute when Mkhuseli Mfeketho latched onto a back-heel and calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner.
The Madibaz remained positive and continued to send numbers forward, and while they could not find the back of the net, they left themselves prone to a counter-attack. Mfeketho nearly grabbed a double but his powerful strike was well saved by Matthew Booysen in the home side’s goal.
WSU managed to gain the upper-hand in the closing moments but they failed to add to the scoreline and went into the half-time break with a slender 1-0 lead.
The Madibaz were lucky not find themselves two goals down early in the second half and have Booysen to thank for pulling off a brilliant save. They certainly had chances of their own but were denied by some stellar defending.
It took the home side 61 minutes to level matters when Simamkele Thobi tapped in from close range after benefiting from excellent work by Chuma Mapuma. The goal not only levelled matters but also broke the Madibaz’ scoring duck in the competition.
The home side pressed hard for a late winner but it was not meant to be as they were forced to settle for a share of the points.
FNB Man of the Match: Karabo Mothlabi
Samsung Super Striker: Mkhuseli Mfeketho
Scorers:
For NMMU-Madibaz: Simamkele Thobi
For WSU: Mkhuseli Mfeketho
Yellow cards: Lonwabo Balfour (NMMU), Ntokozo Nyikinya (WSU), Athini Bisha (NMMU)
Teams:
NMMU-Madibaz: 1 Matthew Booysen, 2 Onela Beqezi, 3 Lonwabo Balfour, 16 Lundi Balfour, 5 Athini Bisha (captain), 4 Diego van Rooyen, 20 Zusakhe Sali, 8 Fuzo Zantsi, 9 Chuma Mapuma, 10 Cloudius Sagandira, 18 Simamkele Thobi.
Substitutes: 25 Xola Fipaza, 19 Onke Matomela, 6 Ekow Assan, 17 Achuma Klaas, 7 Sachin Jackson, 15 Litha Fingo, 12 Karabo Mothlabi.
WSU: 25 Zuko Mjame, 19 Hlalanathi Makaula, 3 Zwide Nxumalo (captain), 4 Wonga Tengile, 12 Benathi Ngaka, 20 Ntokozo Nyikinya, 7 Mkhuseli Mfeketho, 8 Sibabalwe Mayiyana, 2 Nqobane Machi, 5 Masonwabe Memani, 10 Ludumo Nkebe.
Substitutes: 1 Thando Sotyato, 18 Lutho Scotch, 6 Zuko Ndamane, 24 Siboniso Shezi, 23 Mbongo Mqoqi, 15 Bonke Mbadlanyana, 21 Odwa Lose.
