A week ago
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Aigles De La Medina in their Group A encounter of the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024. The match, held in El Jadida on Tuesday afternoon, was a decisive moment for UWC, rejuvenating their chances of advancing in the tournament after an initial setback. Their victory puts them in a strong position as they prepare for their final group stage match against the formidable hosts, AS FAR.
UWC’s journey in the tournament began on a challenging note, as they faced a 2-0 defeat at the hands of TP Mazembe. Meanwhile, Aigles De La Medina also entered the match desperate for points, having been routed 3-0 by AS FAR in their opening game. With both teams starting the encounter without any points on the board, the stakes were high, prompting an aggressive approach from the opening whistle.
The first half was marked by high energy and relentless attacking efforts from both sides. Each team sought an early advantage, showcasing a blend of strategic passing and forward drives. However, despite the intensity and determination on display, neither side managed to find the back of the net before halftime, as most attempts were either off-target or thwarted by solid defensive plays.
The breakthrough for UWC came just five minutes into the second half. Substitute Molatelo Kobo capitalized on a defensive lapse by Aigles De La Medina, showcasing her alertness and quick reactions to score from close range. This crucial goal shifted the momentum decisively in favor of the South Africans, who began to assert more control over the match.
Riding on their newfound confidence, UWC continued to press forward, seeking to consolidate their lead. Their efforts were rewarded in the 66th minute when Ntombifikile Ndlovu, known for her technical prowess, displayed exceptional skill to score with a clever chip over the opposition’s goalkeeper. The second goal not only doubled UWC’s lead but also dampened the spirits of the Senegalese side, making a comeback increasingly difficult.
Aigles De La Medina attempted to respond and staged several attacking plays to reduce the deficit. However, UWC’s goalkeeper, Thandeka Ngcobo, delivered a stellar performance, making crucial saves that preserved her team’s two-goal advantage. Ngcobo’s resilience between the posts was instrumental in securing a historic clean sheet for UWC, underscoring the team’s defensive stability.
With this win, UWC not only claimed their first points in the tournament but also gained a significant morale boost ahead of their high-stakes encounter with AS FAR. The result leaves them in contention for a spot in the knockout stages, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the group phase of the competition.
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