TUT crowned 2023 men’s Varsity Football champions
In the ensuing penalty shootout, the Red Army held their nerve to outscore the Orange Army 5-4 and be crowned the 2023 Varsity Football champions for the second year running.
Defending Varsity Football champions Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) beat University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Thursday afternoon to collect their fourth Varsity Football title.
It was a highly anticipated contest as these two best sides met before, in the 2022 Varsity football finals, where TUT dethroned UJ.
The Red Army picked up where they had left off in 2022 beating UJ in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout at the UJ Soweto stadium to be crowned the 2023 champions.
The teams were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes of regulation play.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, the Red Army held their nerve to outscore the Orange Army 5-4.
UJ started the game at a slow pace, which advantaged The Red Army.
The defending champions took the lead in the ninth-minute courtesy of Thuso Mlamla following a silly mistake by UJ defender Karabo Modisane.
The home team then slowly gained momentum with more possession and chances created.
One, a header from Ntokozo Mathobela in the 42nd minute, drew a reflex save from TUT goalkeeper.
However the Red Army went into half-time 1-0 in the lead.
In the second stanza, with the support from an enthusiastic home crowd, UJ managed an equalising goal after great attacking play by Ntokozo Mathobela, whose cutback was tapped in by Siphosihle Nkambule.
Towards the end of the game, both sides were looking for their second goal to put the game to rest and lift the trophy.
TUT’s Ronald Mabaso, the 2023 golden boot winner, missed from 10 yards out.
At the end the regulation 90 minutes, the scores remained level.
The Red Army scored five penalties to bring the glory back home and coach Bushy Moloi could not contain his happiness.
QUICK FACTS:
Scorers: TUT – Thuso Mlamla
UJ – Siphosihle Nkambule
Player of the Match: Hendrick Mncedisi Xaba
FNB Player of the Tournament: Ntokozo Mgidi
Suzuki Golden Boot: Ronald Mabaso
Cashbuild Golden Glove: Lona Richard Banga
The line-up:
TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Ndumiso Kubheka, Tebogo Lekaba, Freddy Mahloana, Alan Moja, Anda Yamile, Hendrick Mncedisi Xaba, Lindokuhle Tumelo Motsamai, Thuso Mlamla, Tshiamo Mahome, Ronald Mabaso.
UJ: Lona Richard Banga, Ngwako Ramaloko, Maselesele Makoti, Thabo Moshikere, Thanda Madiba, Advocate Mokwena, Tumelo Molubi, Karabo Modisane, Ntokozo Mathobela, Malik Mashinini, Siphosihle Nkambule.
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