In a pulsating encounter, CUT all but booked a place in the semi-finals with a victory over University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks).  UP-Tuks started in the ascendency and came close to taking the lead after a series of corners. After an end-to-end period, a long-ball from Bongani Matsemela found its way into the path of Orapeleng Manopole, who made no mistake to give CUT the lead in the 14th minute. UP-Tuks nearly restored matters but Claudio de Almeida skied his free header. A good delivery from Sabelo Tsambo landed at Frank Mpedi’s feet, whose shot was deflected for a corner. The ensuing corner was successfully negotiated by CUT’s number one, Zolani Ligunya. Midway through the first half, the visitors were awarded a free-kick just outside the box. Tiago Da Serra’s well-placed effort found its way into the net to level matters. A spill by Ligunya nearly gifted UP-Tuks the lead, with the home crowd responding with seemingly sarcastic calls for the keeper’s substitution. Tumelo Njoti came close to giving CUT the lead after Abrahm Singozo’s shot was saved. Manopole bagged his brace with a low shot with just over 5 minutes remaining. 

 

In search of an equalizer, UP-Tuks exerted more pressure in the CUT half and were rewarded 21 minutes into the second half. Jurgen Booysen’s corner went straight in through Ligunya’s near post, much to the dismay of the home crowd. Soon after coming on, Cameron Chweu sent the crowd into ruptures with a close-range header to restore CUT’s lead. Frank Mpedi went into the referee’s book for simulation with five minutes remaining. Claudio de Almeida followed when he was dismissed for a second bookable offence. CUT held on to remain unbeaten and all but assure qualification for the semi-finals. 

FNB Man of the Match: Orapeleng Manopole (CUT) 

Scorers CUT: Orapeleng Manopole (2), Cameron Chweu UP-Tuks: Tiago Da Serra CardsYellow: Nicholas Killas (Tuks), Frank Mpedi (Tuks) Red: Claudio de Almeida (Tuks) 

Teams 

CUT: Zolani Ligunya (GK); Morena Lehloa, Tshepo Tshikare, Bongani Matsemela, Sello Mokhele, Karabo Mojafi, Tumelo Njoti, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Abrahm Singozo, Orapeleng Manopolo, Katleho Motaung. Subs: Mpho Motsoahole (GK), Pule Thaele, Rakgomo Taole, Vusi Vena, Katleho Molakeng, Neo Sebudi, Cameron Chweu. 

UP-Tuks: Dylan Paterson (GK), Simbongile Njokwe, Nicholas Killas, Richard Moremi, Tiago Da Serra, Mbongeni Masilela, Claudio de Almeida, Mogau Khwinana, Sabelo Tsambo, Siphesihle Sosibo, Frank Mpedi. Subs: Deodat Kritzinger (GK), Leonel de Mendonca, Simthembile Ndimande, Asande Mbanjwa, Jurgen Booysen, Clinton Mphahlele, Odwa Makha.

Images 

1: CUT celebrating goal two! 

2: Tumelo Njoti of CUT and Tiago Da Serra of TUKS during the Varsity Football match on CUT Stadium. 

By Sam Styrax (Varsity Sports SA)