Clinical finishing carried the University of Johannesburg’s Orange Army to a 2-0 win over SSU M-17 FC at AW Muller Stadium on October 24, as Tshepo Mosieleng and Keletso Sekhwela struck to decide an evenly contested ABC Motsepe League match.

Both sides looked eager to gain an early foothold, but it was the visitors who had an opportunity to strike first when Koketso Mabasa delivered a cross for forward Carl Lark. However, Lark failed to convert the chance, allowing UJ to escape an early scare. The home side made the visitors pay for that missed opportunity when Mosieleng found the back of the net with a well-taken finish following a fine cross, giving UJ a 1-0 lead.

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Hosts build momentum

The goal shifted the momentum in UJ’s favour, with the hosts growing in confidence and taking greater control of the contest. SSU M-17 FC struggled to play out from the back, and UJ looked increasingly dangerous as they pressed for a second goal. The hosts came close to extending their advantage when Tokoloho Vilakazi glided through the SSU M-17 defence, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

The visitors attempted to respond and push their way back into the contest, with Mabasa getting another opportunity to level matters. However, his effort drifted wide of the target as the visitors continued to search for a breakthrough. The away side thought they had found an equaliser through a cross into the box, but the ball had not crossed the goal line, and UJ retained their advantage.

That reprieve proved important as UJ soon doubled their lead through Sekhwela, who made it 2-0 and put the hosts in a stronger position to see out the match.

Late push on home soil

UJ continued to threaten in attack and nearly added a third through a move involving Sanele Mncube and Sandile Nkosi. Mncube drove forward before releasing Nkosi on the left wing, with the play subsequently switched across to Sekhwela. The forward’s attempt, however, went straight at the goalkeeper.

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Despite the late opportunity to extend their lead, UJ had done enough to secure all three points on home soil. Ultimately, the difference between the sides was their ability to take their chances. UJ capitalised on key opportunities to establish a two-goal cushion, while the visitors were left to rue missed chances that might have made the contest far more difficult for the hosts.

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