UFS Edge NWU with Last-Minute Drama in Bloemfontein
- Karen Scheepers
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
First Half: Missed Opportunities on Both Ends
Shimla Park was buzzing on Thursday evening as UFS and NWU locked horns in a tense Varsity Football battle. Both sides came out with intent, creating chances early on. NWU tested the home defence through set-pieces and quick breaks, while UFS looked sharp on the counterattack. Despite the promising build-up play, neither team found the finishing touch.
NWU goalkeeper Ethan Mokwena, a Bloemfontein local and product of Grey College’s football programme, made several strong saves to deny the Kovsies. At the other end, UFS shot-stopper Lethokuhle Makhaya proved just as reliable, handling a few nervy moments with composure. The sides went into the halftime break still locked at 0–0.
Second Half: Momentum Shifts
The second half saw a tactical shift, with UFS pushing higher up the field and gaining more control in midfield. Much of their attacking intent came through the tireless efforts of Samkelo Nakedi, who drove the hosts forward and earned crucial set-pieces. NWU, however, remained disciplined, looking to absorb pressure and strike back on the break.
As the minutes ticked away, both teams’ energy levels dropped, but UFS’s persistence began to tell. Mokwena was called into action repeatedly as NWU were forced deeper into their own half.
The Decisive Moment
In the dying moments, the breakthrough finally came. UFS captain Iviwe Dyabuza whipped in a superb free kick that caused chaos in the NWU defence. Under pressure, NWU skipper Aphelele Sibisi turned the ball into his own net, handing UFS a dramatic 1-0 lead in the 90th minute.
The late goal sparked wild celebrations in the stands as the home fans sang their side to victory. For UFS, it was a reversal of fortune, having previously been undone by a late goal in their earlier home fixture. This time, they were the ones celebrating at the final whistle.
Key Performers
The night belonged to Lethokuhle Makhaya, whose composure and saves kept UFS in the game before the decisive winner. His Player of the Match award was well deserved. For NWU, Mokwena’s efforts in goal and Sibisi’s otherwise strong defensive showing stood out, despite the unfortunate own goal.
Looking Ahead
The win lifts UFS to fourth place on the Varsity Football standings, keeping them firmly in the mix with 7 points after four games. NWU, meanwhile, sit in fifth place with 5 points, still very much in the hunt but needing sharper finishing in front of goal to climb further up the table.
Despite the loss, the Eagles can take confidence from their work rate and resilience. With the competition heating up, every point will matter in the weeks to come.
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