Defending Selati champs in semi-finals
Selati Cup defending champions, Boschfontein FC played their way into the semi-finals of this year's tournament on Sunday by beating Boschfontein Rovers 0-2.
the ball.
The unpredictable game between Boschfontein FC and Boschfontein Rovers rounded off Sunday’s quarter-final matches at the packed Driekoppies Stadium.
Both teams fought until the end but ultimately, the Rovers could not manage to score against the host team, for a final score of 0-2 in Boschfontein FC’s favour.
The match was preceded by two clashes between the women’s soccer teams. Phefeni United Ladies knocked Naas All Stars FC out of the running 0-4 and Nkomazi Ladies smashed Njeyeza Ladies with 15-0.
The second men’s team in the semi-finals is Schulzendal Eleven Experience, after a 6-0 victory over KaMhlushwa City Stars.
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At KaMaqhekeza Stadium, the much-anticipated match between Langeloop Blue Crane and the Block C Blue Birds ensured that there were no open seats in the stadium.
Blue Crane dominated in the first half and lead with one goal by half-time. Blue Birds equalised in the second half when two defenders and the goalkeeper of Blue Crane made a mistake.
It was a tough game and first-time fans witnessed Blue Crane playing defensive football, to counter Blue Birds’ attack formation.
Blue Crane scored their second goal and Blue Birds equalised in the last added minutes of the match, for a score of 2-2 after 90 minutes of play. Blue Crane scored four penalties to Blue Birds’ two and claimed the victory.
The celebrations were marred when a Blue Birds fan gained entrance to the pitch and assaulted Thokozani Mkhatshwa, the Blue Crane coach. The coach implored organisers to step up security, especially during these last few games, to avoid injuries to coaching staff and players as fans grow more competitive, passionate and unruly.
The match between Phiva FWK and Mananga Royal Eagles was also plagued with issues.
Phiva FWK played stunning football, but players and fans complained that the referee was favouring the Royal Eagles. This culminated in a member of Phiva FWK confronting the referee on the pitch and the match being halted for discussions. The match was later resumed and ended in a zero-goal draw.
Mananga Royal Eagles won the penalty shootout with four goals to Phiva FWK’s three.
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In the ladies’ matches, Schoemansdal Super Strikers beat Chippa United Ladies with 9-0 and Mzinti Ladies were victorious 3-0 over Schoemansdal Young Stars.
Driekoppies Stadium is expected to be crowded on Sunday, when the semi-finals kick off at 09:00. The top four women’s teams will be playing until 12:00, when Boschfontein FC faces Mananga Royal Eagles. At 14:00, Langeloop Blue Crane will face Schulzendal Eleven Experience.
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