TUT score dramatic equaliser to keep the plan alive

TUT managed to draw level in the dying minutes to earn a point at home in their highly anticipated Varsity Football encounter with Tuks in Tshwane on Thursday night.

In a highly anticipated clash, it was a strength versus strength battle as TUT hosted UP-Tuks. In what seemed as though it would end a goalless match, both teams proved to be strong on defence as none were penetrable. Both giants had a few chances at goal in the first quarter but could not convert from close range.

It was TUT who started to look promising in the 30^th minute, forcing a yellow card from Claudio de Almeida, who could not keep up with TUT left midfielder Themba Ndlovu and opted to pull him down just outside of the penalty area. The University of Pretoria held the defending champions down to a 0-0 score at half-time.

In the second half, the visitors got off to a good start in the 56^th minute when a Khumbulani Siluma header broke the deadlock thanks to a sublime Jeremiah Nkwana cross.

TUT knocked at goal on various attempts, but the shot-stopper Dylan Paterson, gave them no room for an equaliser. Paterson got himself in the books, for time wasting in the 68^th minute as the trailing TUT side kept the pressure on.

Bushy Moloi’s side kept pushing as they were denied a handful of chances at goal. The hosts seemed to be unable to level matters with the defensive UP-Tuks holding strong. It was not until the 94^th minute, when the calm and collected Themba Ndlovu fired in from a free kick outside the box, bringing the TUT home stadium to an uproar. It was 1-1 at the final whistle in what was a very entertaining clash of the giants.

FNB Man of the Match: Lawrence Ntswane (Tuks)
Samsung Best Shot award: Themba Ndlovu (TUT)

Scores
TUT: 1
Goals: Themba Ndlovu

Tuks: 1
Goals: Khumbulani Siluma

Teams

TUT: Sikhumbuzo Ncube, Mogau Mphahlele, Vusi Sibiya, Tumelo Mphela, Rorisang Rapelang, Lethabo Mashifana, Thabang Makgwane, Keabetswe Mokwena, Kagiso Sole, Themba Ndlovu, Steven Mvenya, 
Substitutes: Kgaratlo Phatsoane, Thabiso Lebitso, Tebogo Letwaba, Tebogo Lekaba, Thabiso Sibisi, Lebogang Phatlane, Tlotlo Mothibedi.

UP-Tuks: Dylan Patterson, Katlego Mohlatsang, Simbongile Njokwe, Lawrence Ntswane, Pieere Kok, Claudio de Almedia, Khumbulani Siluma, Frank Mpedi, Richard Moremi, Jeremiah Nkwana, Odwa Makha.
Substitutes: Thenkosi Jojo, Chinedue Okolo, Leonel de Mendoca, Clinton Mphahlele, Ludumo Nkebe, Sabelo Tsambo, Jurgen Booysen.