The match between UJ and CUT ended in a 0-0 draw as both teams shared the spoils in the 2016 Varsity Football match at UJ Stadium on Monday night.
The AW Muller Stadium played host to Monday evening’s match between UJ and CUT in freezing weather conditions. Both teams were evenly matched and there was not much that separated the two sides. First shot on target came from CUT’s Orapeleng Manopole, who was composed in the box and curled in a shot, but it was saved by the UJ goalkeeper.
The game came alive midway through the first half, after lovely interplay by the CUT front three saw UJ keeper Damaine make a smart save to keep it at 0-0 after 35 min, the closest both sides came in opening the scoring.
Constant pressure on the left-hand side had the UJ defence exposed with Matthew Edwards committing a cynical foul on the flank, which saw him receive the first yellow card of the game. The resulting set piece was whipped wide and saw the half end in a stalemate, with Lindani Mazibuko getting a late caution at the break.
Halftime saw a switch for UJ, as Samuel Warder replaced the cautioned Lindani Mazibuko.
UJ turned to their bench when striker Pogiso Mabote came in for Emmanuel Ndu on the 55-minute mark, as they looked for the opener. However poor finishing and weather conditions were a major factor, as the match remained goalless after 75 minutes. Both teams looked content with a point each, and didn’t take any chances
CUT had the best chance of the game when Orapeleng Motaung was put through and snatched his shot inches wide of the target. The third and final change by UJ saw Jared Abrahams replace captain Ruwell Jagger. There wasn’t to be a goal in this tough encounter as the referee blew the final whistle and the match ended 0-0.
FNB Man of the Match: Abrahm Singozo (CUT)
Teams:
UJ starting XI: Damaine van Der Walt, Ruwell Jagger, Matthew Edwards, Funnynight Sisimogang, Dane Fotuin, Lindani Mazibuko, Sthembiso Manana, Tebogo Mandyu, Tshepo Tolo, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Emmanuel Ndu
Subs: Simphiwe Xaba, Pogiso Mabote, Samuel Warder, Ntokozo Tshabalala, Jared Abrahams, Melusi Mahlaba, Mthethwa Sanele
CUT starting XI: Zolani Lingunya, Morena Lehloa, Tshepo Tshikare, Bongani Mohomane, Sello Mokhele, Karabo Mojafi, Abrahim Singozo, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Cameron Chweu, Orapeleng Manopole, Katleho Motaung
Subs: Mpho Motsoahole, Rakgomo Taole, Tumelo Njoti, Vusi Vena, Katleho Molakeng, Neo Sebudi, Lebohang Pitelele
By Nkosinathi Shazi
