Vilakazi the hero as 10-man Wits stun SuperSport
A superb hat-trick by Sibusiso Vilakazi guided a 10-man Bidvest Wits outfit to a 3-2 victory over SuperSport United in an Absa Premiership encounter at Bidvest Stadium on Tuesday.
The Clever Boys looked down and out after Sibusiso Khumalo’s opener was followed by Onismor Bhasera’s dismissal, but Vilakazi bagged a hat-trick and although Sameehg Doutie pulled one back late on for Matsatsantsa the hosts held on the record a memorable victory.
Mame Niang missed a penalty in stoppage time to secure what would’ve been a valuable point for United.
Both sides started the game off brightly as they looked to secure an early advantage in a tie that would go a long way in securing a top three spot.
Khumalo marked his return to the starting XI with a cracking goal in the 22nd minute. The fullback’s low-driven free-kick following a foul on Thuso Phala from Papy Faty beat Josephs in the Wits goal, the strike was Khumalo’s second of the campaign.
Bidvetst Wits were dealt another blow in the 33rd minute. Onismor Bhasera received his marching orders following a strong tackle on Thabo Moloi.
Despite being a man short, it was the home side who found the back of the net next. Sibusiso Vilakazi converted from the penalty spot in the 38th minute after S’boniso Gumede was brought down inside the area by Moloi.
United had a chance to edge in front just before the break but Mor Diouf could only manage to overcook his effort after doing well to create space for himself inside the area.
Bidvest Wits 1-1 SuperSport United at the break.
With a man advantage Cavin Johnson threw on the likes of Mame Niang, Bennett Chenene and David Mathebula as he looked to secure all three points.
It was the hosts, though, who found the back of the net next, Vilakazi latching onto a superb flick by Sthembiso Ngcobo in the 71st minute, 2-1.
The Bidvest Wits skipper completed his hat-trick six minutes later, rounding Williams before sticking the ball into an empty net, 3-1.
Doutie pulled one back for United in the 84th minute before winning a penalty in stoppage time after he was brought down by Josephs. The former Orlando Pirates shot stopper made up for his error, brilliantly denying Niang to secure the spoils for the Clever Boys.
The win moves Bidvest Wits within one point off third-placed SuperSport.
Bidvest Wits (1) 3 (Vilakazi 38’ pen 71’ 77’)
SuperSport United (1) 2 (Khumalo 22’ Doutie 84’)
Bidvest Wits: Josephs; Gumede, Kadi (Booth 57’), Vilakazi, Faty, Ngcobo (Madubanya 90+1’), Nhlapo, Bhasera, Mngonyama, Shongwe, Ntshangase (Langwe 58’)
SuperSport United: Williams; Moloi, Fransman, Diouf, Khumalo, Mokeke, Manyama (Chenene 64’), Doutie, Mazibuko (Mathebula 46’), Phala, De Oliveira (Niang 64’)
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