Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) men's second soccer side recorded a 5-4 victory over Rhodes University on penalties, after the teams were level at 3-3 at the end of normal playing time.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) men's second soccer side recorded a 5-4 victory over Rhodes University on penalties, after the teams were level at 3-3 at the end of normal playing time.
The match was played in very windy conditions at NMMU in Port Elizabeth.
The first half of the match was a fairly open affair in the opening minutes. Rhodes played a great passing game consisting of quick, neat touches and flashes of individual skill. NMMU employed defensive tactics, relying on their potent counter-attacking abilities to get them into the Rhodes half of the pitch.
The Rhodes eleven struggled in defence, which was clear for all to see as NMMU took full advantage of their chances, scoring two goals to lead 2-0 at half time.
Rhodes commanded the midfield and created more chances than their opponents. Their inability to convert these opportunities cost them in the first half. Rhodes started the second half of the match inspired and ready to take the fight to NMMU.
While they missed an early penalty, Rhodes crawled their way back into the match and took a 3-2 lead with few minutes left in the match. NMMU pulled up their socks and scored an equalising third goal, seconds before the referee blew the full-time whistle.
The match went straight to penalties, where NMMU kept their cool and edged out Rhodes 2-1. Rhodes defender Njonjo Mudyini had this to say: “Both teams made a lot of mistakes, which is why we both conceded a few goals.”
