A late goal under the floodlights from NWU Tawana striker, Brian Maleka, secured an entertaining come from behind 3-2 win against Captain Eleven in the ABC Motsepe League NW Stream A on Friday, 10 December.
This football match played at the Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds, was a real see saw affair where the lead switched hands numerous times.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
Tawana were behind 2-1 at the half-time break, due to two defensive errors, but came back well in a second half with an equaliser from Atlegang Mmutlane and winner from Maleka. The young referee, Lerato Mthite, and her assistants also lost control of the game at times, where penalty appeals, disallowed goals and stoppages were the order of the day in a scrappy last 20 minutes.
Both teams were desperate to gain all three points and in a heated affair and Tawana can breathe a sigh of relief after a tough game where they had to work really hard for a positive result.
Earlier, NWU midfielder, Tsebishi Sekgitla opened the scoring with a well-placed header from a corner after 35 minutes of first half-action. Tawana could have extended their lead further put saw two chances hit the crossbar.
Captain Eleven roared right back only five minutes later with a goal of their own through Prince Makhubedu who headed home from a cross into the far corner of the goal.
The visitors made it 2-1 when Twala Edith lashed onto a ball in the box to score from a tight angle. The NWU knew they had to pull their socks up in the second half and a rather fortunate goal from left winger, Mmutlane gave them hope.
His ball into the box from a fair distance evaded everyone and trickled past the keeper for the equaliser. It was now about who could keep their nerve and Tawana made the most of their chances when Maleka stroked the ball home with his left foot from close range.
Thabang “Stiga” Matlhoko was on top of his game as a number 10 and his link up play with Maleka and Mmutlane was crisp throughout. Patrick Lebitsa also added more strength up front and he played a key part in the second half. Tjipe Karuuombe was also great in central midfield with a high work rate throughout the match.
