UWC’s Varsity Football title defence continued when they drew 2-2 against CUT at the UWC Sports Stadium on Monday 1 August 2016. It was the champions’ third draw in three games after they played 1-1 and 0-0 in their opening two games against UP-Tuks and Wits.
On an unusually warm evening in Bellville, the game could have gone either way as both sides created enough chances to win the game. But poor finishing and brilliant defending ensured that the sides shared the spoils.
The visitors from Bloemfontein took the game to the host in the opening 15 minutes, forcing the home side to concede at least five corner kicks. But CUT could not capitalise on those chances as UWC goalkeeper Brent Layman, firstly, tipped over Karobo Mojafi’s powerful effort in the fifth minute and Orapeleng Manopole’s low shot in the 12th minute.
Occasionally, UWC pushed forward and in one of those rare moments in the 26th minute Josh Silent fired home from close range when Thulani Mkosi’s flicking header put him through. The goals seemed to have sparked UWC into more attacks and could have stretched the lead going into half time when Phiwokuhle Mphalala missed the ball when he opted for the spectacular to connect Suhayl Allie’s cross when a simple diving header could have been more effective. Then Silent shot straight to the keeper from a Thulani Mkosi pass inside the area and the score was 1-0 at half time.
The game heated up in the second half as both sides pushed to add to the scoreboard and CUT found an equaliser in 66th minute when Katlego Motaung connected to a cross from the left. The goal seemed to have given the home side a wake-up call as Silent restored the lead two minutes later when he headed home from a Mkosi cross.
UWC looked to have the game in the bag until Motaung got his brace in 83rd minute after some poor defending from the UWC side. The game ended 2-2.
FNB Man of the Match: Orapeleng Manopole (CUT)
Scorers:
UWC: Josh Silent (2)
CUT: Katlego Motaung (2)
Teams:
UWC starting XI: Brent Layman, Keenan Davis, Clinton Herwel, Akhona Bonga, Thulani Mkosi, Masibulele Maseti, Eathon Swart, Suhayl Allie, Josh Silent, Phiwokuhle Mphalala, Kwanele Nocanda
Subs: Renald Leaner, Ryan Steer, Andile Phango, Jason Britz , Lukho Phikela, Akhona Cawe, Aghmat Ceres, Giovani Gaffoor
CUT starting XI: Zolane Ligunya (GK), Morena Lehloa, Tshepo Tshikare, Katleho Molakeng (c), Sello Mokhele; Karabo Mojafi, Tumelo Njoti, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Orapeleng Manopole, Cameron Chweu, Katlego Motaung
Subs: Mpho Motsoahole (GK), Rakgomo Taole, Vusi Vena, Neo Sebudi, Tokoloho Motsamai. Pule Thaele, Lebohang Pitlele
By Zandile Bangani
