Varsity Football champions UWC were all but knocked out the competition after they drew 2-2 with Tshwane University of Technology at UWC Sports Stadium on Monday.
Goals by Nhlanhla Manana and Josh Silent for the home side, and by Sakhile Mthembu and Jacob Hlalele for the visitors ensured that spoils were shared and UWC finish the round-robin on eight points – the same as third and fourth placed Tuks and UJ, who were playing later in the evening.
The game started on a high note with both teams pushing forward in search of an early lead. It was not long before the Pretoria-based TUT took the lead when Sakhile Mathembu had all the time in the world inside the box to score in the 19th minute when the home defence lost concentration.
But Manana equalized on the 33rd minute after some nice interplay by the UWC side. UWC could have added a goal or two before the break but were let down by poor finishing and the score remained 1–1 going to the break.
In the second half the game was action-packed with both sides looking to get the winner and on the 55th minute Josh Silent scored his fifth goal of the competition when he connected a cross from FNB Man of the Match Thulani Mkosi to put his side in the lead and send the home crowd into raptures.
But the visitors demonstrated why they are on top of the log this year when Jacob Hlalele scored an equaliser to silence the UWC fans and any hopes that they had of qualifying for the semi-finals of the competition.
UWC tried all for a winner but it was not to be found and the game ended all square.
FNB Man of the Match: Thulani Mkosi (UWC)
Scorers:
TUT: Sakhile Mthembu, Jacob Hlalele
UWC: Nhlanhla Manana, Josh Silent
Teams:
UWC starting XI: Brent Layman, Clinton Herwel, Akhona Bonga, Masibulele Maseti, Eathon Swartz, Nhlanhla Manana, Kwanele Nocanda,Giovani Gaffoor, Thulani Mkosi, Phiwokuhle Mphalala, Akona Cawe
Subs: Renaldo Learner, Aghmat Ceres, Keenan Davis, Lwando Ngqwemla, Chad Smith, Charlton Fritz, Josh Silent
TUT starting XI: Dumisani Msibi, Terrence Mashego, Rorisang Rapelang, Collen Ribabu, Elliot Seema, Sipho Sibiya, Godfrey Mahlale, Thabang Motau, Jacob Hlalele, Katlego Kgetjepe, Sibusiso Ndlovu
Subs: Lloyd Morulane, Thabang Masiteng, Thabiso Sibisi, Sakhile Mthembu, Tlotlo Mothibedi, Tumelo Mowa, Thatohatsi Santos
By Zandile Bangani
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