A fine Thursday afternoon in Johannesburg, saw Wits University defeat the University of Fort Hare 2-1 at the Bidvest Stadium, thanks to a late winner by Baliwe Moyakhe.
The two sides were heading into the game as the two bottom sides in Varsity Football with nothing but pride to play for. However, the match was nothing like a dead rubber, as both sides produced exciting football that eventually saw Wits steal the show towards the end with a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Sindiswa Dlamini and Baliwe Moyakhe.
The first half got underway with both sides looking to finish the season off on some sort of high, and it was the home side that struck first, inside 6 minutes, to take the lead. Baliwe Moyakhe managed to worm his way past a few UFH defenders from the left and provide a well weighted pass to forward Sindiswa Dlamini, who calmly put the ball beyond UFH shot stopper Luyolo Bhanya and give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The game then saw Wits take more control and hog possession from the visitors, who struggled to hold on to the ball in the first quarter of the match.
The opening goal for @WitsSport where Sandiswa Dlamini sends his shot into the roof of the net from close range. #iyachesa!
Wits 1-0 UFH pic.twitter.com/CwpW4kBM0c
— Varsity Sports (@varsitysportsSA) September 7, 2017
The rest of the half saw UFH create a few opportunities that they unfortunately failed to put away. Both teams then had to settle for Wits’ 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw both teams pick up where they left off. UFH looked more dangerous every time they went forward. Wits were a bit reckless in a few of their challenges and it was evident when the visitors received a free kick, just over the hour close to the Wits box.
The resulting free kick, saw Solomzi Dinga step up and curl the free kick into the back of the net, past Wits keeper Sthembiso Zuke, for the equaliser. The match then got even more intense, with both sides now edging forward in search of the winner, as the clock ran down.
What a free kick from @ufh1916 ‘s Solomzi Dinga! Casual run up & then boom top corner! Keeper at full stretch. So #iyachesa!
Wits 1-1 UFH pic.twitter.com/imKYF8hwbA
— Varsity Sports (@varsitysportsSA) September 7, 2017
In the dying minutes after a few ‘uhms’ and ‘ahs’ the home side found the back of the net, when striker Thabiso Rafanyane charged in from the lefthand side to provide a pass that fell into the path of Baliwe Moyakhe to send the crowd into a frenzy as Wits sealed the match 2-1.
FNB Player of the Match: Sthembiso Zuke (Wits)
Samsung Best Shot: Solomzi Dinga (UFH)
Scores
Wits: 2
Goals: Sindiswa Dlamini, Baliwe Moyakhe
UFH: 1
Goals: Solomzi Dinga
Teams
Wits: Sthembiso Zuke, Mahle Mtabane (C), Tumisang Manamela, Jordan Green, Sindiswa Dlamini, Tristan Gatter, Maropeng Mphaho, Keamogetswe Mokalake, Bradley Mongwe, Baliwe Moyakhe, Snethemba Msane.
Subs: Thorisho Marobane, Saluleko Mathonsi, Mondie Dlamini, Riaaz Kader, Sibusiso Nkosi, Lyndon Crouch, Thabiso Rafanyane.
UFH: Luyolo Bhanya, Sjongesonke Peter, Loyiso Jezile, Ndumiso Ndzama, Siphamandla Zanekile, Xolani Vuyani, Banele Thompson, Siphesihle Buthelezi, Solomzi Dinga, Siwongiwe Ndakaza, Sinalo Mbuzani.
Subs: Mthunzi Xaba, Asiphe Mfecane, Siphuxolo Tomase, Litha Bottomane, Manelisi Same, Zwelethu Banga, Nhlanhla Khoza.
By Sifiso Nyawo
