UJ ended their five-match winless run when they scored crucial goals at the end of both halves to win comfortably against Wits and boost their playoff chances
It was a good start for Wits as they kept asking the questions. UJ eventually settled and slowly started to threaten. The teams were evenly matched in the opening 30 minutes of the first half with both teams failing to seize their opportunities. Tshepo Tolo of UJ came the closest when his vicious shot hit the post and went wide.
UJ grew in confidence as they kept attacking down the left flank. Their pressure finally told when left winger Katlego Ntsabeleng controlled a lovely timed pass, dribbled past the defender and managed to squeeze the ball past the goalkeepers near post. It was 1-0 to UJ heading into halftime. Keamogetswe Mokalake of Wits and Sbongeleni Gamade of UJ were the only players cautioned in the first stanza.
The momentum was with UJ as they looked to add to their lead. They failed to test Wits’ vulnerable defence and Wits were still in the contest. Wits made the first switch of the game as cautioned Keamogetswe Mokalake made way for Motsogi Tshireletso. UJ also made a change themselves when influential Midfielder Tebogo Mandyu made way for Jared Abrahams and Samuel Warder came on for Tshepo Tolo.
The last 10 minutes saw a flurry of attacks between both teams as they looked to grab a goal. UJ were able to deal with the pressure thanks to a late match-wining save by goalkeeper Mpumelelo Sambo. The game was finally put to bed when FNB Man of the Match Katlego Ntsabeleng played in winger Samuel Warder and he made no mistake by slotting the ball into the Wits goals. The match ended 2-0 to UJ in a much needed victory to boost their playoff chances.
FNB Man of the Match: Katlego Ntsabeleng (UJ)
Goals:
UJ: Katlego Ntsabeleng, Samuel Warder
UJ starting XI: Mpumelelo Sambo, Ruwell Jagger(c), Matthew Edwards, Funnynight Sisimogang, Dane Futuin, Hayden Slava, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Tshepo Tolo, Wade Rowe, Tebego Mandyu, Sbongeleni Gamade
Subs: Damaine van der Walt, Pogiso Mabote, Emmanuel Ndu, Jared Abrahams, Melusi Mahlaba, Given Msimango, Samuel Warder
Wits starting XI: Brylon Peterson, Snethemba Msane, Keamogetswe Molalake, Tristan Gatter, Obert Rukato, Saluleko Mathonsi, Koketso Sefako, Mahle Mtabane, Lyndon Crouch, Greame Dor
Subs: Sthembiso Zuke, Abram Mahate, Tumisang Manamela, Iacovos Ioannides, Shaun Mantintela, Keitumetse Maloka, Motsogi Tshireletso
By: Nkosinathi Shazi
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