UWC fought off a resilient VUT side to emerge to 2-1 victors in Cape Town after a late goal by substitute Phiwokuhle Mpalala.
The win saw UWC cement their position at the top of the standings as they remain the only unbeaten side in this year’s competition.
The Cape side grabbed the lead after just ten minutes when Thulani Mkosi capitalised on a VUT mistake in defence.
Both teams were keen to make it spectacle as they surged forward on numerous occasions creating scoring opportunities in each other’s final third.
The home side also had to make a change before the half hour mark when the talented Josh Silent picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Mpalala.
VUT then had a chance to equalise shortly after, but were denied when UWC’s captain Reon October pulled out a great save to keep out Neo Mametela’s shot from a free kick.
UWC then started to control the latter stages of the half and almost went further in front with Chad Smith’s shot being saved before Mpalala’s shot narrowly went wide. The home side had to be satisfied with their one-goal lead at the half-time break.
VUT came out firing in the second half and were rewarded when Gomolemo Jiyane got the equaliser for his team. The goal boosted the Vaal team’s confidence and nearly went in front a few minutes later with UWC just managing to clear off their line.
In their efforts to try and regain the lead UWC replaced target man Smith in the attack with Mfundo Majola as the game entered the final 30 minutes.
The home side started to apply the pressure again and nearly got their goal with a Mkosi strike being brilliantly knocked over the crossbar by VUT goalkeeper Eddie Kwalane.
There was not much to choose between the two sides in the final 15 minutes, however, it was the away side who took the game to UWC with some great possession football.
With only one allowed change left, UWC threw on Ryan Steer for Tapelo Sixishe. With time running out it was that man Mpalala who got the winner in the 90th minute, which sent the home crowd in ecstasy.
Samsung Super Striker: Thulani Mkosi
FNB Man of the Match: Malesela Chokoe
Scorers:
For UWC: Thulani Mkosi, Phiwokuhle Mpalala
For VUT: Gomolemo Jiyane
Teams:
UWC: 1 Reon October (captain), 6 Akhona Bonga, 3 Keenan Davis, 24 David Morgan, 13 Ashwin Kounzie, 18 Thando Ziwele, 7 Thulani Mkosi, 20 Nhlanhla Manana, 19 Josh Silent, 10 Tapelo Sixishe, 11 Chad Smith.
Substitutes: 16 Amanzo Jacobs, 17 Mfundo Majola, 8 Mubeen Mokrey, 23 Ryan Steer, 15 Lwando Ngqwemla, 12 Phiwokuhle Mpalala, 25 Shakeel Sadien.
VUT: 1 Eddie Kwalane, 4 Mzwakhe Tshabalala, 7 Thabiso Moshoaliba, 17 Tumo Mafukama, 13 Malesela Chokoe (captain), 15 Lehlohonolo Makara, 21 Thabang Tsolo, 10 Neo Mametela, 11 Katlego Mohlala, 16 Rudzani Nematandani, 21 Gomolemo Jiyane.
Substitutes: 24 Nicholas Masuku, 2 Tankiso Petsane, 20 Phure Chochi, 8 Teboho Mollo, 6 Madilola Mothusi, 9 Kelvin Nkone, 12 Jabulani Nkomo.
