A brace by University of Johannesburg (UJ) student and soccer star, Funnynight Sisimogang, sealed a win for the orange army when UJ thrashed the University of Fort Hare 4-2 in the quarter finals on Monday 29 August 2016.
University of Fort Hare were looking to redeem themselves after last week’s performance against Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). However, UJ dashed Fort’s hopes to continue in the tournament.
Fort scored as early as the second minute of the game, but UJ defender Sisimogang, went on the counter attack and scored a goal in the 11th minute to level the game. UJ went on offensively and were soon rewarded in the 24th minute, when they took a 2-1 lead.
Just seven minutes later Dane Fortuin extended UJ’s lead to 3-1 with a brilliant volley. UJ were awarded a corner on the stroke of half time and found the back of the net with a spectacular header by Katlego Ntsabeleng, ending the first half with the score at 4-1.
UFH were awarded a penalty when Dane Fortuin fouled Andile Batyi in the box. Bathandwa Zondani stepped up, but Mpumelelo Sambo saved the penalty.
Andile Batyi grabbed his second goal of the match with just a few minutes remaining, making the score 4-2. UJ held possession for the final few minutes. University of Fort Hare lost their last match of the Varsity Football competition, leaving them at the bottom of the table.
In 2014, UJ almost clinched the Varsity Football Tournament title under former Coach Bradley Carnell. TUT stopped the Orange Army two years ago when UJ was first-time participants in the Tournament. Two years later, the Johannesburg side is looking to lift the trophy.
Scorers:
University of Johannesburg: Funnynight Sisimogang (2), Dane Fortuin, Katlego Ntsabeleng
University of Fort Hare: Andile Batyi (2)
UJ starting XI: Mpumelelo Sambo 1; Given Msimango 5; Matthew Edwards 2; Funnynight Sisimogang 4; Dane Fortuin 18; Hayden Slava 20; Samuel Warder 11; Tebogo Mandyu 14; Katlego Ntsabeleng 7; Wade Rowe 17; Sbongeleni Gamede 21.
Subs: Damaine Van Der Walt 28; Pogise Mabote 9; Emmanuel Ndu 24; Tshepo Tolo 10; Jared Abrahams 12; Melusi Mahlaba 8; Ruwell Jagger 19.
UFH starting XI: Phakamani Mangona; Bathandwa Zondani; Masilive Nyosi; Siphamandla Zanekile; Sijongisonke Peter; Xolani Vuyani; Sindile Mlilo; Bongisa Bhomba; Andile Batyi; Siphelele Qumba; Solomzi Dinga.
Subs: Emmanuel Mashabela, Siphenkosi Ngxoko Zwelethu Banga 22; Tomas Magagasa 15; Solomzi Nkumbesi 24; Banele Thompson 7; Siphamandla Dlela 17.
*Article originally written by Kgoboko Kgoboko
