Defending champions TUT won a thrilling clash against UWC at the UWC Sports Stadium 10-9 on penalties after the match ended 2-2 during the 90 minutes of play.
 

In the first 15 minutes of the match, UWC had two goal-scoring chances, but Leandro de Sousa could not make something out of it as the score remained nil-all. At the 31-minute mark, the visitors broke the deadlock with a 25-metre volley from Ronald Mabaso and TUT went ahead 1-0. De Sousa found the back of the net 13 minutes later and UWC levelled matters 1-1 at the half-time break.

The second half started on a dramatic note as UWC were reduced to 10 men following Shuaib Martin’s red card after a terrible tackle. TUT didn’t waste any time to take advantage to go ahead 2-1 courtesy of a Tshiamo Mahome strike. The home side equalised through
Lutando Mpokotya.

The game continued at a high tempo with the wind inside the stadium dictating the fate of the two sides. The match ended 2-2 and in the ensuing penalty shoot-out, TUT came out on top.

MATCH FACTS

Thursday, 14 September 2023
At UWC Stadium, Bellville
UWC (1) 2 (Leandro de Sousa, Lutando Mpokotya)
TUT (1) 2 (Ronald Mabaso, Tshiamo Mahome)
(TUT advanced to the final by winning the penalty shootout 10-9)
Player of the match: Craig Joemath (UWC)
UWC Starting XI: Leathan Croats Jadan Zeeman, Craig Joemath, Damian Overmeyer, Siyabulela Mcimeli, Riyaaz Koopstadt, Khanya Alex Dyani, Leandro De Sousa, Relebohile Matima, Lutando Mpokotya, Shuaib Martin.
Head coach: Dr Lwando Mdleleni

Match summary by Varsity Sports and images courtesy ASEM Engage.