The defending champions, the University of Johannesburg have made it to back-to-back Varsity Football finals after beating the North-West University 2-0.
The first 25 minutes went by with only half chances for both sides, as neutrals could feel how much was at stake for each set of players.
In the 31st minute, Thulani Zandamela put in a dangerous cross from the right side but NWU goalkeeper Luzuko Jevuka was up for the task before any of the UJ striker could get on the end of it.
The game headed goalless into the break as neither side was able to stamp their authority on the game, even though the Eagles had the better of the chances in the first stanza.
However, UJ came out much stronger from the break after coach Karabo Mogudi replaced Puleng Bapela and Ellis Rrammala with captain Neo Lebopa and Thanda Madiba.
Zandamela rattled the crossbar in the 50th minute after fine interplay had put him in a decent position on the edge of the box but he missed the opener by the slightest of margins.
Just four minutes later the crossbar came again to the aid of the Noble Men when Maselesele Makoti’s strike hit the upright.
In the 65th minute, UJ were finally rewarded for their efforts as Advocate Mokwena scored from close range following a corner.
NWU had their best chance in the 82nd when a header from inside the box was cleared near the goalie by one of the UJ defenders.
Just a minute later UJ top goalscorer Zandamela finished off the tie following a brilliant counter via Siphiwe Manana, who set him up perfectly for a tap-in. Zandamela is now the outright top goalscorer of the competition with five goals.
Tonight’s win was UJ’s first semi-final victory without going into extra-time, as they booked their second successive final where the 2021 champions will meet 2018 winners from the Tshwane University of Technology.
Score: UJ 2-0 NWU
Goals: 65’ 1-0 Advocate Mokwena, 83’ 2-0 Thulani Zandamela
Man of the Match: Advocate Mokwena (UJ)
Starting XIs:
UJ: Richard Banga, Sanele Ndlalane, Maselesele Makoti, Thabang Lebese, Siphiwe Manana, Ngoanamello Rammala, Ndabezinhle Nkosi, Advocate Mokwena, Gerald Ndlovu, Thulani Zandamela, Puleng Bapela
NWU: Luzuko Jevuka, Kgopotso Moshapo, Tshepiso Mahlangu, Mangaliso Songo, Bongani Taaibosch, Lehlohonolo Mohlabai, Omphile Shuping, Moeti Olebogeng, Thabang Majoro, Kgosithebe Reatlegile, Katleho Tsoetetsi
