The University Of Pretoria registered their first win of the campaign after they beat NMMU 2-0 in the third round of the Varsity Football tournament.

The match started off tense with both teams happy to exchange possession and not risk much. UP-Tuks dominated possession as they tried to penetrate through the Madibaz defence.

The first real chance came from the defending champions after Thabo Ndlovu’s shot was deflected over by Lonwabo Balfour. The goal came from the resulting corner as young flamboyant winger Wandile Makhanya tapped the ball in from the back post in the 21^st minute.

The goal seemed to have boosted the confidence of the youngster who did well to turn and shoot in the box but his effort sailed wide off the mark. The defending champions began to slow things down as they were content with their 1-0 lead.

The two teams headed into half-time with the score-line at 1-0. UP-Tuks started the off the second half where they left off as Makhanya dribbled past Athini Bisha but dragged his shot agonizingly wide in the 50^th minute.

The Madibaz began to hold the ball more as they looked to get through the stubborn Tuks defence. NMMU were keeping possession well but UP-Tuks looked dangerous on the counter and they duly punished the Madibaz through a well worked counter attack that resulted in a hand ball from Athini Bisha, Jeremiah Nkwana stepped up to take the penalty and he converted to make it 2-0 in the 66^th minute.

Frank Mpedi had a chance to score the third for the home team a minute later as he chipped the ball over but his effort went wide. The Madibaz continued to keep the ball and look for spaces where they could penetrate, but the UP-Tuks defence remained resolute and veered off any attacks.

Tebogo Galane had a glorious chance in the latter stages of the match as he did well to lob the ball over the on-rushing NMMU goal keeper but he dragged his effort wide.

Stand in Coach Tlisane Motaung was proud of his team’s effort and had this to say, “This was a must win match for us considering our poor start in the competition and the boys duly delivered. This win will help us as we go away to Walter Sisulu University next week” he said.