UJ claim Joburg derby bragging rights, UFS finally off the mark in Varsity Football Round 4

UJ remain top of the log with four wins in four games, no goals conceded and secure a semi-final spot after claiming the Joburg derby bragging rights by beating Wits 2-0 away. Defending champions UFS completed a comeback victory over UL, winning 2-1 at Oscar Mpetha Stadium to register their first Varsity Football win of the season in Round 4. At Harry Gwala Stadium, UP-Tuks secured all three points with a convincing 3-0 victory over DUT, while UWC finally claimed their first home win of the campaign, edging TUT 3-2 in an entertaining encounter.

UFS produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat UL in an entertaining Varsity Football encounter at Oscar Mpetha Stadium on Friday night.

UL made a fast start and were rewarded just nine minutes into the match when Maano Phaswana found the back of the net to give the home side an early 1-0 advantage. The hosts continued to apply pressure as they looked to protect their lead, with Fesbon Ngobeni receiving a yellow card in the 36th minute as the contest intensified before the break.

UFS returned from half-time with renewed energy and quickly turned the momentum in their favour. Their persistence paid off when Ben Kraai struck to bring the visitors level and set up a tense final period.

The Kovsies continued to push forward in search of the winning goal, and their efforts were rewarded when Jerome Jansen found the net to complete the turnaround and put UFS 2-1 ahead.

UL refused to surrender and mounted a late challenge, searching for an equaliser. However, UFS remained composed under pressure and defended their advantage until the final whistle to secure a valuable Varsity Football victory.

The stage was set in Durban for an important encounter between number DUT and UP-Tuks, with both teams having their eyes set on that all important top four finish.

It was the home team who seemed the more dangerous side as they hit the cross bar early on in the game, with the visitors goalkeeper, Gennaro Johnson, pulling a beautiful save at the second attempt after the rebound.

It was not long from that moment when Risen Albert took the ball from a counter, running up the flank into the box, releasing a beautiful six-yard pass on the plate for Ntokozo Madela. The danger man making no mistake but to tuck in the first goal for UP-Tuks.

It was Risen Albert’s show down the left wing who looked dangerous more than once, with the DUT side failing to contain him. His efforts not yielding any further fruits.

Half time came and it was UP-Tuks who were leading going into the break, as the Stripe Generation looked the dangerous team.

The second half began a bit more steady as both teams looked to control the ball in order to set the tone.

Both teams grew in confidence as they equally had opportunities to create something but nothing came.

The second goal finally came for UP-Tuks, a goal of the season contender from Matome Rangata. Goalkeeper Sekwanele Mtolo came out but was not quick enough, as the Tuks danger man looped the ball over from far out, up down and into the back of the net. 2-0 to the Stripe Generation.

The final nail on the coffin was forced in by Philasande Khuzwayo, who came on from the bench to convert the third goal UP-Tuks giving the visiting team a comfortable three goal victory, to claim all three points

UWC produced a stunning second-half fightback to beat TUT on Friday night, surviving a tense battle before sealing the points with a late wonder strike.

The game started cautiously, with neither side able to create clear-cut opportunities. However, the tempo changed dramatically once the opening goal arrived, with both teams producing much better football.

TUT broke the deadlock when winger Akani Rathokoa produced a moment of individual brilliance. Rathokoa dribbled past three defenders down the left before picking out Kearabilwe Mphahlele, who unleashed a blistering strike into the top corner, giving goalkeeper Zubeir Mohamed no chance.

UWC responded strongly and found the equaliser through Imaan January, who headed home from a free kick delivered by Mesuli Manzi.

The goal lifted the visitors, who began putting the TUT defence under increasing pressure. Their persistence paid off just before half-time when another dangerous delivery from a Manzi set piece resulted in UWC taking the lead for the first time.

TUT came out fighting in the second half and continued to search for a way back into the game.

In the 54th minute, UWC’s Malinga Mdodana was shown a yellow card, before Manzi was booked six minutes later as frustration began to creep into the visitors’ play.

TUT appeared to have levelled in the 70th minute through Likhona James after goalkeeper Mohamed spilled the ball. The home side capitalised on the loose ball, although there were appeals for a foul as the ball was kicked from the goalkeeper’s hands.

The goal injected fresh energy into the contest but UWC continued to enjoy more possession as both sides pushed for control.

UWC eventually put the result beyond doubt in the 80th minute when substitute Liphulo Zini, introduced at half-time, produced a superb curling effort towards the far post.

The late strike sealed the victory for the visitors and sparked a determined defensive effort in the closing stages.

With the home crowd firmly behind TUT, UWC defended resolutely, throwing bodies on the line to protect their advantage until the final whistle.

The victory means UWC remain unbeaten after four matches, with two wins and two draws. They will now turn their attention to Friday’s encounter against Lipompo.

Wits fell short in the Johannesburg derby as UJ struck twice to secure victory in front of a sold-out crowd on Friday.

The match began at a tense pace, with both sides looking to establish control. Wits came close to opening the scoring in the 14th minute when Tebogo Masemola struck from a corner, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by UJ goalkeeper Bayanda Mkhoza.

UJ eventually broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. Sandile Nkosi capitalised on a counter-attack after Wits struggled to clear the ball from danger, firing home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Wits continued to search for an equaliser, with Thabo Mphaki coming close in the 40th minute after an awarded corner but the effort went narrowly wide of the box.

The visitors' defence, particularly Ofentse Motlhabi and Yasidu Lifa, remained effective in frustrating the Wits attack.

The second half got underway with Wits needing a response but UJ defense continued to pose a threat. In the 55th minute, Wits goalkeeper Reddel Duh produced a superb diving save to deny Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza and prevent UJ from doubling their advantage.

Wits introduced Siphesihle Ntombela from the bench, and the substitute looked to make an immediate impact. In the 66th minute, Ntombela fired a shot that narrowly missed the target as Wits continued their search for a way back into the game.

UJ eventually put the result beyond doubt in the 85th minute. A mistimed save from Duh presented an opportunity for Tokoloho Vilakazi, who calmly tapped the ball into the net to double UJ's advantage.

With Wits trailing 2-0, the home side were unable to find a late response. UJ emerged as deserved winners, extending their winning streak in the process.