By Rorisang Rampheteng:
Bloemfontein — The University of the Free State (UFS) secured a hard-earned 2–1 victory over the Central University of Technology (CUT) in an intense Motsepe League derby at CUT Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors making their chances count in a tightly contested encounter.
The match opened at a high tempo, with CUT asserting early control. The home side earned the first corner in the third minute and continued to apply pressure through wide areas and set pieces. Despite their strong start, they were unable to convert early dominance into goals.
Kovsie responded with intent, earning corners of their own and showing attacking promise. In the 11th minute, they thought they had taken the lead after a well-constructed move, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The decision served as an early warning to the CUT defence.
CUT maintained attacking pressure, creating opportunities through multiple set pieces, including corners in the 13th and 18th minutes. However, their finishing let them down, with a key chance in the 23rd minute going unconverted.
As the game progressed, UFS grew into the contest, displaying composure and efficiency in front of the goal. They capitalised on defensive lapses to score twice, taking control of the match. CUT responded with a goal of their own, keeping the fixture competitive, but ultimately could not find an equaliser.
One of CUT’s more threatening moments came in the 26th minute, highlighting their attacking intent. Nevertheless, their inability to convert chances proved decisive.
Speaking after the match, CUT head coach Patrick Malokase expressed frustration at missed opportunities. “We created enough chances, especially in the first half, but we did not take them. In a Motsepe League match, that will always cost you,” he said. He added that the team must improve its decision-making and defensive discipline going forward.
UFS head coach Mokete Tsotetsi praised his side’s resilience and composure under pressure. “It was a tough game, especially away from home, but the players showed great determination. We stayed focused after the early pressure and took our chances well,” he noted.
The result strengthens UFS’s position in the Motsepe League standings, with Kovsie now sitting fifth on 49 points, while CUT remain in 14th place with 31 points. As the season continues, UFS will look to build momentum from an important away victory, while CUT must address their inefficiency in front of goal if they hope to improve their standing in the league- @NewsSA_Online
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