UJ and UWC, favourites for the top spot in Group A of the Varsity Women’s Football 2019 tournament, played out to an intriguing 1-1 draw on Thursday evening.
As the sun began to sink and the air cooled down, the ladies in orange uniform started what turned out to be a tug-of-war against the coastal representatives of UWC.
Within a few minutes of dribbling and shuffling, UWC found themselves caught up in a tricky situation when their goalkeeper, Regiri Ngobeni got a leg injury. This didn’t slow them down as they spotted their opponent’s rather confused and stumbling defence line.
Literally ten minutes in, Babalwa Mngxunya, left everybody stunned with her gracious goal.
The atmosphere intensified as both teams started to play more aggressively, resulting in UJ scoring themselves from the penalty spot. Keolebogile Putu, stepped up to the challenge and converted an equalising goal for the Joburgers.
The second half was no different as it presented grass-cutting action from goal post to goal post. With time on nobody’s side, both teams tried their best to outdo each other but in the end, the battle for victory was equally shared.
UJ (1) 1 Keolebogile Putu penalty
UWC (1) 1 Babalwa Mngxunya
FNB Player of the Match: Molatelo Kobo (UWC)
Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save of the Match: Dineo Magagula (UJ)
MTN Pulse Moment of Brilliance: Sinegugu Zondi (UWC)
UJ: 1 Dineo Magagula, 3 Karabo Makhurubetshi, 4 Charity Valoyi, 10 Boitumelo Rasehlo, 11 Phindile Matu, 12 Refilwe Maseko, 14 Thato Letsoso (captain), 16 Keolebogile Putu, 17 Faa-iqah Hartley, 18 Bonelisile Nzimande, 21 Shazzia Vania.
Repacements: 20 Elizabeth Mazivise, 6 Sizakele Ndlovu, 13 Mechaela Sprangkaan, 22 Rakgadi Kekana, 25 Keneilwe Mathabe.
Coach: Jabulile Baloyi
UWC: 1 Regirl Ngobeni, 3 Molatelo Kobo, 4 Simnikiwe Mhlakaza, 7 Antonia Maponya, 8 Puleng Moremi, 9 Khanya Xesi, 10 Babalwa Mngxunya, 12 Holofelang Manyama, 14 Nolubabalo Sishuba, 17 Bongeka Gamede (captain), 18 Janice Smith.
Replacements: 27 Londeka Khawula, 2 Tshegofatso Senanya, 11 Morongwa Sekgobela, 13 Charmaine Mhlongo, 15 Sinegugu Zondi.
Coach: Thinasonke Mbuli
By Theo Veli
