The 2017 Varsity Women’s Football hosts, NWU, crashed out of semi-final contention on Friday night against Tuks after an entertaining 0-0 draw at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds, where neither side could win the game despite creating numerous chances.
This was also not the result that Tuks wanted as UWC’s 0-0 draw with UJ resulted in both Tuks and UWC ending on 4 points. UWC, though, had a better goal difference and are through to the semi-finals.
NWU started the match on the front foot as they planned to attack Tuks head on with absolutely nothing to lose. Lerato Mahlangu had a chance early on but Tuks’ last ditch defence foiled her goal scoring opportunity.
In a scrappy first half neither team could gain the advantage in the first 20 minutes. Interestingly this was also the first time in the tournament that NWU had not conceded in the opening 20 minutes of the match as their defensive line of Martha van der Westhuizen and Mbali Padi stood firm.
Tuks had a massive chance to take the lead in the 25th minute, but Moyahabo Monyemangena spurned a chance as the ball trickled wide, amidst pressure from NWU keeper Matsane.
No team could break the deadlock after 35 minutes as the teams went in 0-0 for some much needed rest.
Both teams started the second half all guns blazing with half chances at either side – the only difference was the amount of cheering whenever home side NWU looked like scoring.
Tuks’ Alexandra Michael tried her best to give her side the lead but Jali Matsane was terrific in goal, keeping out all attacks in a commanding display at the back.
NWU also had their chances but the ball just did not drop for them as one final pass or feint touch seemed to elude them, much to the frustration of the home support.
NWU’s keeper, Matsane was truly in the thick of things and she stepped up to take a free kick that sailed centimetres over the bar, as ‘ooohs’ and ‘aahhs’ were heard around the ground.
That proved to be NWU’s best chance late on as both sides had to settle for a point.
FNB Player of the Match: Nomajalimani Matsane (NWU)
Samsung Best Shot Award: Alexandra Michael (UP-Tuks)
Scores
NWU: 0
UP-Tuks: 0
Teams
NWU: Nomajalimani Matsane, Ramogale Matemane, Mbali Padi, Martha van der Westhuizen, Tsholofelo Nameleng, Nthabiseng Kgosietsile, Janelee van der Bergh, Angelique van Wyk, Annita Sege, Thando Nyama, Lerato Mahlangu,
Subs: Motshidisi Nyaka, Abigail Martin, Masego Molefi, Owethu Sityata, Catherina Jacobs, Micaela Frade, Gomolemo Tsatsi
UP-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.
By Wouter Pienaar
