The University of Pretoria scored a late goal to beat CUT 1-0 in a thrilling Varsity Football match at the Tuks Stadium on Thursday evening.
UP-Tuks came out firing in the first half and almost opened their account within minutes of the first kick-off but the goal was ruled as offside much to the relief of CUT’s Ntsane Kabi as the would-be goal came from a lapse in concentration by the goalkeeper.
The University of Pretoria continued to press hard in the first half and created many opportunities but their forwards failed to find the back of the net as both teams headed into the half-time break scoreless.
It was much of the same in the second half as UP-Tuks hunted that elusive opening goal but had to defend at times as well as CUT crept back into the match. The stalemate was broken by Chinedu Okolo as the freakishly tall Civil Engineering student guided in a cross kick to hand UP-Tuks the lead with two minutes left of regulation time.
The win has made it that much easier for the University of Pretoria to clinch a semi-final spot with a win, draw or even loss by less than two goals, against UWC next week Monday, all that is needed for UP-Tuks to advance.
A win would secure a home semi-final.
FNB Man of the Match: Simbongile Njokwe (Tuks)
Samsung Best Shot: Chinedu Okolo (Tuks)
Score
UP-Tuks: 1
Goal: Chinedu Okolo
CUT: 0
Teams
University of Pretoria: Daylan Hawes, Katlego Motihatsang, Simbongile Njokwe, Lawrence Ntswane, Pierre Kok, Claudio De Almeida, Jeremiah Nkwana, Frank Mpedi, Siphesihle Sosibo, Sabelo Tsambo, Odwa Makha.
Subs: Athenkosi Jojo, Ludumo Nkebe, Chinedu Okolo, Richard Moremi, Clinton Mphahlele, Jurgen Booysen, Clement Malmone.
Central University of Technology: Ntsane Kabi, Teboho Molehe, Sello Mokhele, Fanyana Nkosi, Wesley Ledibane, Sello Mokhanthi, Karabo Mojafi, Mpho Molwatse, Tsietsi Ramosedi, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Rakgomo Taole.
Subs: Tshiya Sikisi, Morena Lehloa, Godfrey Mokonoane, Reneilwe, Katleho Molakeng, Sizwe Ngoma, Gomolemo Rampai.
By Dan Lombard
Virtual Campus
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