An excellent glut of goals at Marks Parks
School of Excellence held on to a three-goal lead as Wits Juniors came up short suffering a home defeat.
Marks Park hosted an exciting matchday 12 as U17 School of Excellence held on to nail-biting win to a never-say-die Wits Juniors at home in the Gauteng Development League (GDL).
From the first whistle, the away team took an early 1–0 lead in just five minutes through left winger Mabutho Nkosi, who opened the scoring of the match, as the home team did not have an answer to their stellar attacking play and quick counter attacking. SOE kept on progressing in the first half having made crucial passes, switching the play and drawing Wits out of position.
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Their plans soon came to fruition as SOE striker Mbongeni Mahlungu scored the second goal thereafter having secured a comfortable lead of 2–0 in the first half, making Wits climb a tough mountain.
However, they did not go down without a fight. As the second half commenced, they regrouped showing incredible tenacity as they intensified their efforts, having an answer for their performance.
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The home fans were dismayed as a penalty was waved off. However, they pulled one back and equalised through striker Philane Mfeka making it 2–1, giving the crowd a chance to hope for a win.
Soon after, the away team had something to prove, as to why they were the symbol of excellence, and that they did.
Fuelled by their desire to secure a victory, they unleashed a relentless offensive assault, as right winger Tumelo Michisi was through on goal when Wits goalkeeper Thembalethu Nkosi gave away a penalty making it 3–1.
Coach Lazarus Kgosana of SOE was happy with his team’s performance in holding a firm grip on its win. “We played very well; we kept possession and controlled the game. At SOE we are known for controlling the game.”
Having to swallow a sour pill at home, Wits dug deeper as their players pressed on tirelessly to get possession back. They fought valiantly until the final whistle, but luck was not on their side.
Wits Juniors coach Mido Ltsewa was at a loss for words for his team’s performance even after their display of character. “It is very painful, because now we have to go back to the drawing board. All the goals that we conceded, were through our own mistakes.”
However, he did praise his team’s efforts in the second half and focusing on improving in their next match. Wits still remains sixth in the league while SOE looks to continue to their good run of form as they climb up to eighth place.
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