The Cambridge Football Club began the new year on a positive note with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Olympia FC at McKenzieville Stadium in Alra Park.

Competing in the Ekurhuleni Hollywood Bets League, Cambridge FC has experienced a mixed season so far, and the encounter on January 10 proved to be a test against determined opposition.

Coming off the Christmas break, the players had little time to ease back into action and were required to start strongly.

The match started at a slow tempo, with both teams showing signs of rust. Cambridge dominated possession from the outset but struggled to convert their control into goals.

The home side patiently pushed forward, looking for spaces to break down Olympia’s defence. However, every Cambridge attack was met with swift counterattacks from Olympia, who remained disciplined and dangerous on the break.

As the first half drew to a close, Cambridge lost concentration, allowing Olympia to strike first. The halftime score was Cambridge 0-Olympia 1.

In the second half, Cambridge continued to dominate play and committed more players forward in search of an equaliser.

Olympia retreated deep into their half, determined to protect their narrow lead. The boys from Nigel had other ideas, as head coach Kamogelo Mathloung made key tactical changes by introducing experienced players.

The substitutions injected fresh energy into the attack and paid off when captain Banele Mkhwanazi reacted to a loose ball inside the opposition’s 18-yard box to level the score. From that moment, Cambridge took control and showed real intent.

With five minutes remaining, Mkhwanazi struck again to seal the win, finishing off a well-delivered cross to make it 2-1 and complete a dramatic comeback.

“We started slowly, and most players are still tired from participating in the festive tournaments. We showed character and heart to overturn a 1-0 setback.

“I congratulate my players for turning a negative into a positive. We can’t afford to drop points at home,” said coach Kamogelo Mathloung.

“It was a dull performance, but the players showed hunger in the last 15 minutes of the game, and we take the scrappy win. We have to win at home. We don’t have to play beautiful football to win games all the time,” said chairperson Ignatius Maphike.

The club has issued a call to local businesses for sponsorship and financial support, as the team will play most of their second-round fixtures away from home at various stadiums across Ekurhuleni.

Anyone willing to assist can contact Maphike on 081 768 6191.