A tap-in from Pheletso Matlala and a well-taken finish from Phenyo Moremi earned Waterfall Warriors FC three valuable points as they continued their campaign in the league.

Down to 10 men but never out of the fight, Warriors produced a determined performance to beat Super Midrand Boys 2-0 in the Midrand U13 LFA Gauteng League. The Rabie Ridge stream clash at Rabie Ridge Stadium on September 19 turned into a test of Warriors’ resolve after they lost a player to a red card early in the second half.

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The 09:00 encounter started slowly, with both sides taking time to settle into the match. Warriors, however, soon showed signs of attacking intent, with two early attempts ruled offside.

Playing at home, Warriors continued to press and created their first clear opportunity when Moremi found himself in a promising position, only for his effort to be comfortably saved by Super Midrand goalkeeper Eddie Temba.

Warriors relied heavily on long balls, which repeatedly appeared to trouble the Super Midrand defence as the home side looked to exploit space behind the backline.

Super Midrand came close to opening the scoring when a well-executed one-two from a corner kick found Arabilwe Mabina inside the box. Mabina’s attempt, however, sailed over the goal.

Warriors eventually broke the deadlock shortly before half-time. Phenyo Maroga unleashed a powerful effort that Temba did well to palm away. The ball fell to Moremi, who delivered a cross into the box, allowing Pheletso to react quickly and tap the ball home to give Warriors a 1-0 lead at the break.

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Super Midrand returned from the interval with renewed energy and immediately looked to level the score. Kutlwano Lenela tested Warriors goalkeeper Kabelo Makgae with a free-kick, but Makgae comfortably gathered the attempt.

Warriors continued to threaten on the counter-attack, with Moremi getting another one-on-one opportunity against Temba. The Warriors forward, however, lifted his effort over the crossbar.

The game changed when Warriors were reduced to 10 men about 10 minutes into the second half after one of their players received a red card following two fouls.

The numerical advantage encouraged Super Midrand to push forward in search of an equaliser. Kutlwano used his pace down the right flank before sending a dangerous cross into the box, forcing Kabelo to come off his line and make an intervention.

Despite being a player down, Warriors continued to match Super Midrand’s intensity and remained dangerous going forward. Moremi found himself through on goal once again, but Temba stood between him and a second goal, making another important save to keep Super Midrand in the contest.

Moremi would eventually have his moment. A free-kick dropped into the Super Midrand box, where defensive uncertainty presented Moremi with an opportunity. He made no mistake this time, calmly converting with his right foot to double Warriors’ advantage.

The goal effectively put Warriors in control and capped a determined performance from the home side, who held on despite their numerical disadvantage to claim the victory.

Warriors will face Phomolong United on September 27 in their next league match, while Super Midrand takes on Super Gauteng.

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