A terrific comeback from Pukke gave the home team a deserved 2-1 win against a plucky CUT team on Friday night at the Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds.
It was a tantalising affair from the start with both sides needing to win to stay in the running for a coveted semi-final spot.
The tension was palpable and the opening goal was an example of this as Pulane Nzapeza unfortunately stuck the ball into her own net to give Pukke the lead.
CUT, though, did not give up and hit the cross bar a few minutes later. Palesa Mpeta was especially potent in the midfield for CUT.
Both teams engaged in a physical midfield battle as clear chances were hard to come by in the first half. Pukke went in 1-0 at the break just edging out CUT in the possession stakes.
CUT came back in the second half with their outstanding player, Nomonde Nomtsheke, scoring after Pukke’s keeper Regirl Ngobeni failed to hold on to Viwe Mpeta’s powerful shot.
Pukke now realised they had a game on their hands and threw the kitchen sink at CUT.
This worked with 12 minutes to go, as FNB Player of the Match Lerato Mahlangu toe-poked the ball into the net to give her side the lead.
The crowds were jubilant and vuvuzela melodies thundered across the field.
The sound of the full time whistle was music to Pukke, who can now shift their focus to their semi-final match tomorrow against TUT.
FNB Player of the Match: Lerato Mahlangu (Pukke)
Scorers:
Pukke: Pulane Nzapeza (OG), Lerato Mahlangu
CUT: Nomonde Nomtsheke
Teams:
NWU-Pukke: Regirl Ngobeni, Kgaugelo Makgakga, Mashadi Tshoane, Holofelang Manyama, Naledi Morake, Caroline Monyane, Busisiwe Mtsweni, Lerato Mahlangu, Bonolo Malgas, Motshidisi Nyaka, Elderine Jantjies.
Subs: Nomajalimani Matsane, Angelique van Wyk, Cyla Kok, Thobeka Rapoo, Letaro Motha Kgomotso Molapo. Lerato Leshaba, Lerato Machere
CUT: Lucrecia Manis, Mabale Khumalo, Yamkela Setsipane, Refilwe Thue, Pulane Nzapesa, Nolwazi Shongwe, Nomonde Nomtsheke, Mpho Sesedinyane, Palesa Mokoena, Viwe Mpeta, Nkamogeleng Mdekesha.
Subs: Sophy Malete, Sanchez Lebitsa, Mosa Ramohlokoane, Lerato Malimabe, Rethabile Taole and Mabotle Nhlapo.
By Wouter Pienaar
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