NWU Fall Short in Playoff Clash as Tuks Clinch 2–1 Victory
- Karen Scheepers
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
North-West University (NWU) bowed out of the 2025 Varsity Women’s Football tournament after a narrow 2–1 defeat to the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) in their playoff encounter. It was a tightly contested match that showcased moments of brilliance, but ultimately Tuks’ sharper finishing made the difference.
Early Blow for NWU
The game couldn’t have started worse for NWU, as Wendy Shongwe capitalised on poor marking to fire Tuks ahead in just the 7th minute. Despite conceding early, the Eagles regrouped quickly and pushed forward, creating half-chances of their own.
The first half remained balanced, with both sides battling hard in midfield. NWU kept Tuks under pressure in short spells but couldn’t find a way through before the interval. At halftime, the hosts still held a slender 1–0 lead.
Eagles Fight Back
NWU returned from the break with renewed determination, and their persistence was rewarded when Naledi Mooketsi levelled the score. Her strike gave the Eagles hope of turning the game around, and for a moment, the momentum appeared to be shifting.
But just minutes later, Tuks reclaimed control. In the 64th minute, Mmakhgotso Rose Mashishi rose highest to meet a corner, heading home what proved to be the match-winning goal.
Late Drama
NWU didn’t go down without a fight. They pressed hard in the closing stages, winning a series of corners and fashioning a clear chance inside the box. Tuks goalkeeper Grace Mabo pulled off a crucial save to deny Mamie Rebombo, ensuring her side held onto the lead.
Despite their efforts, NWU couldn’t find another equaliser and were left to reflect on what might have been.
Scorers
UP-Tuks: Wendy Shongwe, Mmakhgotso Rose Mashishi
NWU: Naledi Mooketsi
Player of the Match: Mmakhgotso Rose Mashishi (UP-Tuks)
Teams
UP-Tuks: Kay-Dee Windvogel, Masindi Maselela, Maria Manganas, Zikhona Mgotya, Sbahle Ndlovu, Rethabile Makhwela, Mmakhgotso Rose Mashishi, Tebogo Motale, Wendy Shongwe, Tshwarelo Setlhafuno, Mamie Rebombo.
NWU: Grace Mabo, Londeka Mabeba, Thandi Dondolo, Vuyokazi Thambe, Kelebogile Seane, Mbalentle Dlikilili, Neo Montshosi, Lesego Dibakwana, Veronicca Maswanganye, Nontobeko Gumede, Naledi Mooketsi.
Closing Thoughts
The defeat confirmed NWU’s exit from the tournament, finishing 6th overall after a campaign filled with both challenges and flashes of promise. Their fightback spirit was evident, particularly in the second half, but in the end, Tuks’ clinical edge proved decisive.
#️⃣⚽🦅💜
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