A spirited performance from the UP-Tuks ladies saw them upset reigning champions UJ 1-2 to book themselves a spot in the Varsity Football finals next week.
UP-Tuks number seven, Jade Meissner Raposo, didn’t wait long to put the visitors in the lead, scoring after five minutes to make it 1-0 for the Tuks ladies.
The visitors dominated the first half with some good passing and running off the ball, leaving their hosts chasing shadows.
The match heated up after 30 minutes when Tukkies midfielder Pretty Masoane was yellow carded for a bad tackle. Masoane seemed to have injured herself in the process and was treated off the field before returning to the pitch.
UP-Tuks eventually found the back of the net again as Meissner Raposo broke through to score her second, making it 0-2 for the visitors by beating goalkeeper Basia Michaels with a swerving shot at goal.
The teams went into the dressing rooms with UP-Tuks in the lead by two goals, but UJ came out firing on the second half, putting their opponents under pressure from the get-go.
Tukkies held it together well in defence though and kept their rampant hosts at bay for much the second half as UJ struggled to find a way through, opting to take shots at stopper Cailin Whyte from outside the area.
Whyte stood firm though as the defence held their ground, but a lapse in concentration earned UJ a penalty and Precious Matabologa stepped up to confidently beat Basia Michaels to make the 1-2.
The visiting team held on to their lead despite a last minute onslaught from last year’s champs and walked away winners to book their place in the final next week.
FNB Player of Match: Cailin Whyte
Samsung Super Striker: Jade Meissner Raposo
UJ: 1 Basia Michaels, 17 Chwayita Quwe, 10 Precious Matabologa, 5 Shifa Fredericks, 8 Neo Matabologe, 6 Esther Gumede, 15 Maphuthi Manamela, 13 Shadi Matenche, 4 Nonkosi Twayise, 2 Boitumelo Mbalati, 9 Prudence Setalisi.
Substitutes: 7 Molemo Mashigo, 3 Lindiwe Daki, 11 Nkazimulo Tshabalala, 14 Degracia Aphane, 16 Thandi Shai, 12 Silidonkuhle Dayimane.
UP-Tuks: 26 Cailin Whyte, 15 Pretty Mosoane, 8 Jabulile Mazibuko, 12 Mavhangu Manyana, 13 Regina Mogolola, 14 Phidah Chego, 11 Mapotlakele Maserumule, 17 Alexandra Michael, 7 Jade Meissner Raposo, 20 Sonia Shako, 5 Molatela Molepo.
Substitutes: 18 Lucia Tsoku, 21 Amerije Pawukumar, 19 Natasha De Almeida.
