Mogoe’s late strike rescues Northerns in six-goal thriller
Northerns led 1-0 into the break but Cambridge scored three goals to lead 3-1 before the hosts staged a late comeback, scoring two goals to snatch a draw.
Tshepiso Mogoe delivered a dramatic late blow as Benoni Northerns clawed their way back to secure a pulsating 3-3 draw against Cambridge FC in the Hollywoodbets SAFA Ekurhuleni Regional League at the Manny Ferreirinho Field on April 11.
In a contest packed with momentum swings, both sides were left ruing missed opportunities – Northerns for failing to kill the game early, and Cambridge for surrendering a commanding 3-1 lead in the second half.
The result capped a gripping encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats from the first to the final whistle.
Northerns held a 1-0 advantage at the break thanks to a composed finish from Themba Sibanda. The winger latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Lonwabo Kenke in midfield, shrugged off his marker and calmly slotted home at the near post, with the ball kissing the upright on its way in.
Despite trailing, Cambridge grew into the match, with Kgotso Makhura orchestrating play from midfield. However, the Nigel side’s dominance in possession yielded little reward in the first half as Northerns’ defence stood firm.
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The second half, however, told a different story.
After failing to extend their lead early in the second stanza – Tebogo Mahlase notably denied after misconnecting from a promising James Kgatuke delivery – Northerns were punished for their wastefulness.
Mvelo Pompi levelled matters with a clinical finish before Tebogo Malatjie turned the game on its head, pouncing on a ball from deep to make it 2-1.
Lehlohonolo Motaung then added a third, putting Cambridge firmly in control and seemingly on course for maximum points.
But Northerns refused to fold.
Mandla Bukhali sparked the comeback with a close-range finish from a right-wing cross, shifting the momentum back in favour of the hosts.
With time running out, Mogoe rose to the occasion, firing home a late equaliser that sent the home crowd into raptures.
The final whistle confirmed a share of the spoils, with Northerns remaining mid-table on 22 points, while Cambridge climbed to fifth after a match they will feel slipped through their grasp.
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