The NWU Eagles from the NWU Soccer Institute secured a place in the semifinals of the 2026 ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs after defeating Gauteng champions La Masia 3–2 in a decisive Group A encounter in Mthatha on Wednesday.

The victory saw the NWU finish level on four points with Mpumalanga champions Luthuli Brigades, but the Eagles progressed to the knockout stage at the top of the group on goal difference.

La Masia struck first and stunned the NWU with an early goal just over six minutes into the match to take a 1–0 lead.

Despite the setback, the NWU champions continued to press forward and were rewarded in the 41st minute when Ntsala Karabo converted a penalty to bring the scores level. The goal ensured the teams went into the halftime break locked at 1–1.

The NWU returned for the second half with greater urgency and took the lead in the 55th minute through Mpho Mokoena, who scored his first goal of the national playoffs to put the Eagles 2–1 ahead.

The Eagles side continued to dominate proceedings and extended their advantage in the 71st minute when Mpho Mokoena found the back of the net to make it 3–1. The strike was Mokoena’s second goal of the tournament and placed the NWU firmly in control of the contest.

La Masia mounted a late fightback and pulled a goal back in the 90th minute, but the NWU held on to secure a 3–2 victory and claim all three points.

The result capped a strong group-stage campaign for the Eagles, who opened the tournament with a goalless draw against Luthuli Brigades before producing the attacking display needed to secure qualification.

With three goals scored against La Masia, the NWU finished the group stage with the best goal difference in Group A and now advances to the semifinals, where they move one step closer to earning promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.