Kovsies Claim Win Over Limpopo
Kovsies claim 2-0 win against Limpopo.
Kovsies secured their first Varsity Football log points of the season, as two second-half goals saw them claim a 2-0 victory over Limpopo in Bloemfontein. The win sees the Free State side move off the bottom of the standings, as they bounced back in ideal style from their 1-0 defeat at the hands of defending champions UP-Tuks in the opening round last week. It was a frustrating outing for the visitors from the far north, who showed plenty of fight but ultimately ended empty-handed as Kovsies pulled away in the second half. The hosts showed some early attacking intent, moving the ball forward quickly and stretching Limpopo's back three out wide. Limpopo had some early chance on the counter, but Kovsies had the territorial advantage. It was physical from the outset, as both teams looked to grab the early ascendency and stamp their authority on the game. Kovsies were enjoying the majority of possession, but found it difficult to break down the disciplined Limpopo defence, and although the visitors were forced to live off scraps they caused some anxious moments at the back for UFS. Both teams were battling to build pressure as possession changed hands frequently, and as a result there were not many clear-cut chances on goal at either end of the pitch. Kovsies got the ball over the goalline when a free kick into the box was headed onto the crossbar before bouncing over the line, but it was ruled out due to offside as the deadlock continued, although replays showed that the goal should have stood. As half-time approached the game started to open up, and both goalkeepers were called on to make some acrobatic saves which saw the teams go into the break locked at 0-0. The home side came out swinging in the second half and struck early when a poor clearance from Limpopo goalkeeper Harold Ndhlovu was punished by Lehlohonolo Mokoena who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner for his team's first goal of the season. That opened the game up nicely as Limpopo were forced to push for an equaliser, and Kovsies almost doubled their lead soon afterwards as a toe-poke from Dylan O'Brien flashed wide. The pressure eventually told when a flowing movement found replacement striker Jay Jay Groenewald who showed good composure to beat the goalkeeper and make it 2-0. Limpopo pushed hard in the final stages as they looked to work their way back into the game, but it was not to be as Kovsies cruised to victory. FNB Man of the Match: Jarred Meyer The goalscorers: For UFS: Lehlohonolo Mokoena, Jay Jay Groenewald For UL: None Teams: UFS: 1 Serasengoe Moodie, 4 Marathodi Phillies, 13 Tsoeu Mphezulu, 19 Jarred Meyer, 20 Dumisani Tjomelane, 15 Themba Zimo, 12 Kakudi Moreleba, 11 Lehlohonolo Mokoena, 7 Walter Phori, 24 Dylan O'Brien, 6 Manxubandile Bantshi. Substitutes: 23 Mongezi Mologovane, 23 Mongezi Mologovane, 3 Unathi Mabandla, 2 Khauhelo Kholotsa, 16 Lehlohonolo Thaele, 8 Christopher Makgoe, 10 Simon Modupi, Jay Jay Groenewald. UL: 16 Harold Ndhlovu, 2 Ivan Tleane, 6 Edgar Mafunisa, 24 Austin Dube, 13 Pholoshi Bapela, 20 Samuel Mathabathe, 5 Matsobane Kganyago, 9 Theo Phophi, 17 Nelson Ndhima, 7 Thapelo Kgaphola, 11 Mahlatse Mogale. Substitutes: 1 Johnathan Gole, 19 Cyril Ndhlovu, 10 Vuledzani Chikhala, 3 Rogers Moletla, 8 Blondy Mohale, 22 Kgotlelelo Kgoete, 15 Tsietsi Tshehla.
