Crusaders and University of Johannesburg (UJ) served up an entertaining Winter League encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, with the visitors emerging 3–2 winners.

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating chances but struggling to find a breakthrough.

The deadlock was eventually broken in unfortunate fashion for Crusaders when a defender turned the ball into his own net, handing UJ a 1–0 lead at the break.

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Crusaders returned for the second half a different side and dominated possession, pinning UJ deep inside their own half in search of an equaliser. Their relentless pressure was rewarded when the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

Ituah Khumalo showed remarkable composure under pressure, calmly converting from 12 yards to make it 1–1.

UJ, however, responded almost immediately. A lapse in concentration from the Crusaders defence allowed the visitors to regain the lead with a well-taken finish. Despite conceding, Crusaders refused to surrender.

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They continued to attack and their pressure paid off when Takudzwa Gudzikwa’s moment of individual brilliance produced a superb goal to level the score at 2–2.

With the match finely poised, UJ demonstrated great character and composure.

Maintaining their attacking intent, they capitalised on a loose ball just outside the penalty area. Their midfielder collected a loose ball just outside the penalty area before curling a superb effort into the back of the net to seal a dramatic 3–2 victory.

The entertaining match showcased resilience, quality and determination from both teams, but UJ ultimately claimed all three points with a memorable winning strike.

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