TUT and UFS Seal Varsity Football Final Spots After Dramatic Semi-Finals
The stage is set for the 2025 Varsity Football final after TUT and UFS came through tense semi-final battles to book their places in the championship clash.
UJ 0-1 TUT: Tolo Delivers Knockout Blow
TUT edged hosts UJ 1-0 in Soweto to punch their ticket to the final. In a cagey first half, neither side created much, with UJ goalkeeper Kyle van Rensburg called into action only once to deny a long-range effort.
The match burst into life in the second half, with tempers flaring and yellow cards flying. The decisive moment arrived in the 69th minute when UJ’s Yasidu Lifa received a second booking, reducing the home side to 10 men.
Just minutes later, Lehlomo Tolo struck the killer blow for TUT with a superb finish, giving the visitors the advantage. With the man and goal lead, TUT controlled proceedings until the final whistle.
The victory served as sweet revenge for TUT, who had fallen 1-0 to UJ earlier in the group stage. After topping the standings with five wins and two draws, the Pretoria side underlined their dominance by knocking out the same rivals to reach the final.
- Scorer: Lehlomo Tolo (TUT)
- Player of the Match: Lucky Raphala (TUT)
NWU 0-0 UFS (UFS win 4-3 on penalties): Mafikeng Heartbreak
In Mafikeng, UFS held their nerve in a dramatic shootout to defeat NWU 4-3 after 90 tense minutes ended goalless.
NWU started brightly, controlling possession and creating chances, but they couldn’t break the deadlock. Their golden opportunity came in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty, only for Momelezi Mngati to miss what would have been the match-winner.
With the game decided on spot-kicks, UFS showed greater composure, converting four penalties to edge past NWU, who paid the price for two missed attempts.
- Player of the Match: Lethokuhle Makhaya (UFS)
The Road Ahead
The final will now pit TUT against UFS in what promises to be a fiery battle for Varsity Football supremacy. TUT enter with momentum and revenge already under their belt, while UFS ride the confidence of surviving a nerve-shredding semi-final.
One thing is certain: the 2025 Varsity Football final is set to deliver fireworks.
