Jonty Mark

By Jonty Mark

Football Editor


Wits power past Pamplemousses in Champions League

Bidvest Wits put themselves in an excellent position to make it into the next round of the Caf Champions League with a 2-0 home win over Pamplemousses SC of Mauritius in the first leg of their preliminary round qualifier on Saturday.


The only regret for Gavin Hunt’s side will surely be that they did not take more of their chances, and that Keagan Ritchie was sent off on his Wits debut towards the end for violent conduct.

Pamplemousses also had a player sent off not long after that, Remy getting a second yellow for a poor challenge.

Wits scored both their goals in the opening half, with Ritchie highly influential in a good display down the Clever Boys left flank.

Hunt’s side were finding plenty of joy down both wings and Vincent Pule hit the bar from Thabang Monare’s delivery in the 18th minute.

In the 25th minute, Wits took the lead as Ritchie sent in a fine cross and Kabomelo Kodisang stooped to head in.

The Clever Boys doubled their lead in the 38th minute, as Pule’s fine pass sent Eleazar Rodgers clear and he cooly beat the Pamplemousses ‘keeper.

Rodgers should then have put Wits three up but somehow headed over from another good Ritchie cross.

Anthony Gordinho’s shot was well saved early in the second half before Rodgers hit the inside of the post, but somehow Wits failed to add to their scoreline.

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