In a frenetic football encounter of the highest quality, The University of Johannesburg and Central University of Technology battled each other to a 1-1 stalemate in their first match on Potchefstroom soil tonight in a Pool B encounter.
Katlego Mabuza scored the opener for UJ while Nomonde Nomtsheke equalized for CUT in the second half.
Both teams had a real go at each other in the opening exchanges, but neither team could get their name onto the scoresheet as both had excellent defence.
CUT’s Yamkela Setsipane and Refilwe Thue were excellent on defence for CUT while UJ stood firm through Lahliwe Majoro at the back.
UJ had numerous chances to extend their lead with a well-timed long range drive crashing off the crossbar.
CUT took advantage of UJ’s missed chances and equalized with 20 minutes to go. The delight was evident as midfielder Nomonde Nomtsheke stroked the ball into the net.
It was now anyone’s game with the scores tied and both teams went full out on attack.
UJ’s Ntombizodwa Mokenela had a glorious opportunity to put her team into the lead but hit her shot just over the crossbar, when a goal looked the easier route.
UJ though held most of the possession and will look back at this game knowing that they should have won.
Their skill on the ball and control is something that has to be admired, and they can be one of the dark horses for the tournament.
FNB Player of the Match: Precious Matabologa (UJ)
Scorers:
UJ: Katlego Mabuza
CUT: Nomonde Nomtsheke Matabologa
Teams:
UJ: Dineo Magagula, Nonkosi Twayise, Lahliwe Majoro, Neo Matabologe, Rito Valoyi, Thato Letsoso, Chwayita Quwe, Katlego Mabuza, Temoho Motsi, Precious Matabologa.
Subs: Yvonne Miya, Aphane Potso, Nolwazi Mathebula, Oda Monyai, Pontsho Marutla and Koketso Ndaba
CUT: Lucrecia Manis, Mabale Khumalo, Yamkela Setsipane, Refilwe Thue, Pulane Nzapesa, Nolwazi Shongwe, Nomonde Nomtsheke, Mpho Sesedinyane, Palesa Mokoena, Viwe Mpeta, Nkamogeleng Mdekesha.
Subs: Sophy Malete, Sanchez Lebitsa, Mosa Ramohlokoane, Lerato Malimabe, Rethabile Taole and Mabotle Nhlapo.
By Wouter Pienaar
