It is almost apt that the recent clash between the North-West University (NWU) and the University of the Free State (UFS), who are both round 1 winners in the Varsity Soccer tournament, ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Host NWU was confident to have the upper hand, but, the UFS showed that they didn’t score their first win by chance and gave as good as they got in the first half.

The NWU’s Simphiwe Mlangeni picked up the pace and broke the deadlock just before the hour mark.

Not to be outdone by their host, the UFS fired back with an equaliser from Thembinkosi Gwala to stun the loud home-side crowd.

Try as they might, neither team was able to muster a win after that, and had to settle for a share of the spoils. Both teams are now in joint second place with TUT taking the lead. The NWU will take on TUT in the third round on 8 August.

UFS captain Gauta Mokati says the draw and subsequent point collected boosts the confidence of the team and they are happy with how the game went – all things considered.

For his part, NWU coach Karabo Masehela didn’t want to be too overly optimistic.

“We played a fair game,” he says. “There were a lot of missed opportunities which we should have capitalised on, but this allows us to go back to the drawing board and neatly package our field of play ahead of our next match.”

NWU: 27. Kagiso Ramadivhane (GK), 14. Tshepiso Mahlangu, 2. Tholinhlanhla Masuku, 8. Kananelo Motsoeneng, 22. Lesego Motsepe, 6. Lindani Nkabinde, 7. Paseka Matsheka (capt), 23. Simphiwe Mlangeni, 21. Banele Hlophe, 5. Sibusiso Ndlovu, 9. Adam Fynn.

Replacements: 28. Luzuko Jevuka (GK), 12. Bongani Taaibosch, 4. Gift Mogorosi, 16. Israel Matshane, 24. Mandisi Gadla, 10. Tshepo Baholo, 3. Wandile Luvuno.

UFS: 27. Nelson Chauke (GK), 23. Makhaola Mohale, 24. Obakeng Seekoei, 15. Gauta Mokati (capt), 3. Thapelo Madrati, 6. Angelo Arendse, 4. Siphelele Ngwenya, 11. Thembinkosi Gwala, 16. Lindokuhle Khumalo, 25. Bradwell Gouws, 9. Dylan O’Brien.

Replacements: 28. Mafase Malomane (GK), 21. Duncan Mohale, 10. Thabo Lesibe, 12. Themba Msimanga, 8. Obarate Saila, 13. Nnyane Nkomo, 7. Lebogang Ngamlani.

FNB Player of the Match: Sibusiso Ndlovu (NWU)

Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save of the Match: Nelson Chauke (UFS)