Thushanang United are the Samancor U17 champions

All four U17 teams came to the ground well-prepared to be crowned the champions of the knock-out tournament organised by Samancor, but as always only one team was crowned.

The teams battled it out during the semi-finals and finals at the Overline Sports Ground on Saturday, October 21.

In the first semi-final match, Emalahleni FC played against Thushanang. Thushanang won the match 3-1 and in the second one Ackerville United played and won 2-1 against NSSD; the supporters saw Ackerville playing Thushanang in the finals.

Thushanang had a corner-kick in the first few minutes of the match and a shot was well-defended.

Ackerville made several attempts at goal, but they found Thushanang’s defence very strong.

Going forward, Thushanang played a passing game to their advantage and were able to make some inroads toward Ackerville’s goalpost.

Ackerville had a place kick and did not put that to good use as the shot went wide.

While both teams tried their best for an early goal, it was not to be.

Ackerville was the better side but did not take their opportunities.

A shot by Ackerville forward went over the crossbar.

Ackerville’s goalkeeper was injured while trying to save a goal and play had to stop as per the rule. Another Ackerville chance with only the goalkeeper was wasted.

Both teams huff and puff towards the break with the scoreboard at 0-0.

In the second half, Ackerville was also presented with a golden opportunity to score, but the striker shot wide.

Thushanang nearly scored after a break attack, and a few minutes later they were awarded a penalty after one of their players was fouled.

They scored to make it 1-0.

Towards the end of the second half, Thushanang pushed for a second goal while Ackerville tried to equalize.

Ackerville made use of a chance after the goalkeeper was out, but the shot was blocked.

Another chance was missed by Ackerville after one of their strikers headed the ball over the post.

Ackerville failed to score a penalty after his shot was saved by the Thushanang goalkeeper.

Although both teams displayed good and entertaining football, in the end, Thushanang were the champions with the only goal scored in the match.

The winning team was presented with a trophy, gold medals, soccer training equipment, and soccer balls for their effort.

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