Wits University had to work hard for their 1-0 win over a new-look Sundowns in a Castle Premiership clash played at Milpark on Wednesday night.
Wits led 1-0 at halftime. The action flowed from end to end in a fast paced opening period where the students enjoyed a territorial advantage.
Wits took an early lead when Downs defender Wits midfielder Charles Yohane ‘s shot was deflected into his net by Downs defender Sasha Chalwe in the sixth minute.
From the restart Downs hit straight back and a shot from striker Simba Marumo sliced past. A minute later Wits should have made it 2-0 but striker Gareth Devine blasted Yohane’s corner over the crossbar.
Wits goalkeeper Wayne Roberts was saved from embarrassment when he rushed off his line only to lose possession to Marumo whose shot was booted off the goalline by defender Ryan Hodgskin in the 28th minute.
Roberts however, did well in the 31st and 43rd minutes to deny the hard running Marumo a goal.
Wits Zimbabwean winger Alois Bunjira hit the post in the 34th minute and from the loose ball Devine again struck the ball over the upright. Wits coach Roger de Sa replaced the out of sorts looking Roberts seven minutes into the second half with his SA under-23 international keeper Jacob Mokhasi.
Sundowns pushed hard for the equaliser and had the Wits defence under a lot of pressure. Downs midfielder Clement Mazibuko came close when his hard hit rocket flew over the crossbar in the 66th minute.
The in the 84th minute Downs substitute Daniel Mudau’s over head kick inched over the Wits crossbar. – Sapa