The table-topping Varsity Football clash between NWU and UJ in Mafikeng ended in a tense 1-1 stalemate.
The draw means that both teams maintain their unbeaten status in Varsity Football this season, with goal difference separating them on the standings.
The home side made an assured start to the game, moving the ball around with confidence as they tested UJ’s defensive organisation.
UJ managed to put together some passing movements of their own, but were pinned back in their own half as NWU managed to keep them on the back foot.
Both teams had opportunities but could not take them, with NWU’s Tshenolo Machwisa pulling his shot wide and UJ’s Ruben De Freitas hitting the crossbar.
It would be UJ to take the lead when a long ball fell for De Freitas who showed great composure to send his volley past NWU goalkeeper Amogelang Maduo.
However, NWU managed to level matters shortly afterwards when Lindani Dudula buried a penalty after a heavy challenge from UJ goalkeeper Mduduzi Khumalo.
NWU made a determined start to the second half, but UJ were able to counter well and created a few good scoring opportunities of their own.
The game opened up as both teams threw everything at each other in the final stages, but neither could find a way through as it ended deadlocked at 1-1.
FNB Man of the match: Grant Bruchhausen
Samsung Super Striker: Ruben De Freitas
Goalscorers:
For NWU: Lindani Dudula
For UJ: Ruben De Freitas
NWU-Mafikeng: 1 Amogelang Maduo, 7 Sipho Mateis, 2 Lebogang Phetlhu, 5 Kyle Amon, 20 Tseko Weevirs, 6 Sandile Mbatha, 15 Matsobane Matsi, 13 Thatohatsi Santos, 10 Orebotse Mongae, 9 Tshenolo Machwisa, 11 Lindani Dudula.
Substitutes: 25 Goitseone Naane, 21 Lebogang Motshegare, 3 Sifiso Ngwenya, 17 Letlhogonolo Mirwa, 18 Thapelo Tlabakwe, 12 Mogomotsi Molefe, .
UJ: 16 Mduduzi Khumalo, 22 Wisdom Mathebula, 21 Grant Bruchhausen, 2 Matthew Edwards, 8 Lwazi Nogenga, 11 Thabi Ledwaba, 7 Ruben De Freitas, 15 Omphile Majwafi, 20 Steven Sibanyoni, 9 Lumkile Dava, 14 Karl Clements.
Substitutes: 1 Trent Harrison, 12 Kaylan More, 18 Pontsho Nyathi, 19 Ruwell Jagger, 13 Sandro Claro, 23 Tebogo Mandyu, 11 Tshepo Tolo.
