Madibaz settle for draw

[caption id="attachment_41658" align="alignright" width="300"] DOUBLE STRIKE: North-West University's Matsobane Matsi, left, challenges NMMU Madibaz's Kieran Koert during their Varsity Football Challenge Cup match at the NMMU Stadium last night. Koert scored both goals for the home side. Picture: BRIAN WITBOOI[/caption]

NMMU Madibaz had to settle for a 2-2 draw against North-West University (NWU) in the opening match of the Varsity Football Challenge Cup at the NMMU Stadium last night.

The Madibaz were the surprise package of the competition last year, going through to the finals unbeaten before stumbling against eventual champions the University of Pretoria.

They will be disappointed at having to share the spoils after coming from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 for most of the match.

The game started slowly but gathered momentum, although both teams struggled to find the net in the opening 20 minutes.

Alexender Owusu had a chance to open the scoring for NMMU, but his header sailed narrowly over the bar.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Sandile Mbatha's shot beat Madibaz goalkeeper Lyndsay Jennings.

Madibaz applied more pressure in a search for an equaliser, but NWU's defence proved a tough nut to crack.

Madibaz finally got on the board soon after the half-hour when Kieran Koert netted the equaliser.

Both teams intensified their attacking strategy, and it paid dividends for Koert, who scored his second goal when his powerful shot beat NWU goalkeeper Calvin Ntshudisang in the 36th minute.

Madibaz went into the break leading 2-1.

NWU came back in the second half and dominated possession, but their attempts at goal were off target.

Madibaz settled for a defensive game in the second stanza, allowing NWU to attack more and dominate territory.

Koert had an opportunity to complete a hat-trick, but his shot went wide.

NWU made their first substitution when they brought on Thatohatsi Santos to replace Letlhogonolo Mirwa, while Madibaz introduced Lukhanyo Ndabeta.

Madibaz started to lose concentration towards the 70th minute of the game and that allowed NWU to level the score with 13 minutes remaining.

Both sides pressed for a winner, but in the end they had to settle for a share of the points. - Mthetho Ndoni