Two first-half goals were enough for UFS to secure a comfortable victory over Wits in Johannesburg.
The visitors were full value for what was their first Varsity Football victory against a Wits side whose goal-scoring woes continued at home despite the support of a vocal crowd.
Both teams made something of a scrappy start to the game, with possession changing hands often as they battled for the early ascendecy.
The Free State side found some rhythm and took the game to their hosts with some promising attacking raids, but they were unable to trouble the goalkeeper.
It was UFS who opened the scoring, with a floated ball from Phori Motsomai deceiving Wits goalkeeper Paulos Mohale who was caught off his line.
It did not take long for them to make it 2-0 when a great ball from Motsomai was tucked away clinically by striker Tshepo Sefatsa to leave the home side reeling.
Wits created a few chances for Neo Makua, but the striker could not make them count as the UFS defence swarmed on him.
UFS took their 2-0 lead into the half-time break, leaving Wits with it all to do in the second half.
The home side made an encouraging start to the second half, winning a series of corner as UFS were forced to defend, but they could not make them count with Markus Lecki’s header flying over the bar.
The second half was a much tighter affair, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance, but Wits’battles in front of goal continued to haunt them as they looked for a way back into the game.
UFS made a late surge as they looked to add to their 2-0 lead, and striker JJ Groenwald manufactured a few opportunities but could not finish.
Wits fough hard until the final whistle, but there was no consolation goal for the fans who had turned out in their numbers and got right behind their side.
FNB man of the match: Ricco Sutil
The scorers:
For UFS: Phori Motsomai, Tshepo Sefatsa
Wits: 1 Paulos Mohale, 4 Nelson Mwale, 5 Markus Lecki, 13 Tumelo Magethi, 3 Fulufhelani Munyai, 15 Manuel Makafane, 11 Neo Makua, 17 Bandile Mathandela, 6 Tebogo Digoamaje, 14 Sanele Njoko, 8 Phenyo Mongalo.
Reserves: 12 Joseph Mushi, 9 Phuti Leboho, 18 Innocent Magasela, 7 Keorpetse Molete, 10 Zachary Cohen, 24 Tshepo Motsukunyane, 25 Daniel Ferreira.
UFS: 1 Malefane Mokhachane, 2 Lehlohonolo Ramolebo, 3 Unathi Mabandla, 17 Jarred Meyer, 4 Thato Skaut, 20 Khotso Tjemolane, 6 Manxubandile Bantshi, 8 Ricco Sutil, 11 Simon Modupi, 10 Tshepo Sefatsa, 18 Ernest Mohloki, 7 Phori Motsomai.
Reserves: 16 Serasengoe Moodie, 15 Themba Zimo, 22 Christopher Makgoe, 13 Marothodi Phillies , 21 Elzandro Lewis, 5 Thuso Mpuang, 9 JJ Groenewald.
