VUT were unable to produce another shock in the national cup on Sunday, 23 February, as Mamelodi Sundowns put an end to their run in the Last 16 stage.
Despite becoming the first fourth tier side to beat a top-flight team in the national cup when they eliminated Lamontville Golden Arrows in the previous round, VUT were not expected to put up much resistance against Sundowns. As it happened, the men from the Vaal made the four-time national cup winners (and reigning national champions), work hard for their passage to the quarterfinals.
Sundowns, who have a major tie in continental competition looming, started the match with a largely second-string lineup and it showed at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville as they struggled to break down a resolute VUT team. Interestingly, the visitors had more fans from the Vaal in the crowd than their illustrious hosts.
Buoyed by boisterous crowd, Stanford Nkoane’s charges held their own in the first half, which ended goalless.
However, the gap in class between the two teams was in evidence during a five-minute spell early in the second half. VUT’s marking wasn’t tight enough at a corner kick, which allowed Wayne Arendse to head home José Alí Meza’s cross after 54 minutes.
The varsity team had a chance to level three minutes later when they were awarded a penalty, however Reitumetse Hlongwane (who scored the dramatic late equaliser against Lamontville Golden Arrows) skied it over the bar.
That, ultimately, proved pivotal.
On 71 minutes, VUT captain Sibusiso Mokondo mistakingly awaited the referee’s whistle only for it not to come and substitute Phakamani Mahlambi to take advantage and score Sundowns’ second.
The 2-0 scoreline remained intact until the 90 minutes were up and Sundowns were through, leaving VUT to focus on the trying to earn promotion (ahead of NWU Vaal) from their regional league and their return to Varsity Football after a five-year absence.
By Carlo Jonkerman
