Defending champions TUT suffered their second straight defeat when UWC beat them 2-1 at their Bellville fortress…
The much anticipated clash between UWC and TUT got off to a blistering start with the home side stamping their authority from the word go.
They were duly rewarded when Clinton Herwel rose highest in the box to calmly head the ball past TUT goalkeeper Sikhumbuzo Ncube seven minutes into the encounter.
The visitors – coming off a draw and a loss – were not deterred by the early goal as they kept knocking at the home side’s door. The man who found the key to unlock the defence was none other than Thuso Mlamla, who unleashed a cracking shot from 20 yards out that had Aidan Leak beaten hands down.
The @TUTFootball response was nothing short of sensational!
— Varsity Football (@VarsityDiski) August 29, 2019
Thuso Mlamla with an absolute banger from range into the top corner and the red machine draw level. #iyachesa pic.twitter.com/gPuCRo3CRv
Following the goal, the defending champions used their height to their advantage and the home side were second to everything that was thrown at them aerially.
Leandro de Sousa and Ronald Mabasa had glorious opportunities to grab the lead for their sides before half-time, but their attempts were wasted as the first half ended 1-1.
Neither Stanton Smith, nor Bushy Moloi, made changes going into the second half. Indeed, the tempo of the game started from where it left off before the break.
TUT’s Wisdom Mathebula had the first chance of the second half but his shot sailed over the bar – much to the frustration of Moloi.
Nonetheless, the Red Machine continued to advance on UWC, suggesting they were likelier to gain the lead… not least with Ronald Mabasa harassing the central defensive pairing of Luke Vester and Abdel-Hakeem Mohamed.
However, the visitors were to be stunned. Jaydan Petersen, who has been having a good run in the current tournament, grabbed UWC’s second goal for the day, and his third for the campaign with a calm side-footer in the 72nd minute.
As the game neared the end you could see that the visitors were feeling the game is slowly slipping through their hands and Petersen could have sealed the game but missed from a excellent cross by Siphosethu Meveni from the right wing.
Ultimately, it didn’t cost UWC as they grabbed all three points to move alongside NWU on 10 points, but into the lead courtesy of a better goal difference.
UWC (1) 2 Clinton Herwel, Jaydan Petersen
TUT (1) 1 Thuso Mlamla
FNB Player of the Match: Clinton Herwel (UWC)
Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save of the Match: Abdel-Hakeem Mohamed (UWC)
MTN Pulse Moment of Brilliance: Thuso Mlamla (UWC)
UWC: 1. Aidan Leak (GK), 5. Clinton Herwel, 24. Abdel-Hakeem Mohamed, 6. Luke Vester (capt), 19. Ntembeko Daweti, 15. Kyle Segers, 26. Sandile Mdluli, 10. Stefan Stuurman, 21. Siphosethu Meveni, 17. Leandro De Sousa, 7. Jaydan Petersen.
Replacements: 27. Ryan Ramandh (GK), 4. Linamandla Mchilizeli, 13. Matthew Petersen, 14. Deflandre de Lange, 20. Matebesi Baatile, 22. Mncedi Sipunzi, 23. Bulelani Ngidi.
Coach: Stanton Smith
TUT: 20. Sikhumbuzo Ncube (GK), 3. Rorisang Rapelang (capt), 5. Mogau Mphahlele, 16. Boipelo Molale, 2. Tumelo Mphela, 6. Thuso Mlamla, 17. Brian Tshoba, 4. Wisdom Mathebula, 21. Tlotlo Afrika, 13. Lebogang Phatlane, 15. Ronald Mabasa.
Replacements: 25. Kgaratlo Phatsoane (GK), 8. Tebogo Lekaba, 9. Tumelo Mowa, 19. Steven Mvenya, 22. Ogorositswe Tabane, 24. Jim Naselele, 28. Tiego Mathebe.
Coach: Bushy Moloi
By Dumisani Koyana
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