Under-19 squads battle for Premier Cup spot
Umtata United's Siya Tsetuna and Origan Spurs Dante Galant challenge for passion of the ball during their Bayhill Premier Cup qualifying match played at Langa, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward
The Bayhill Premier Cup returned to the Langa Sports Complex over the weekend, much to the delight of the Bayhill Organising Committee (LOC), participating teams, and fans. Zolisa Tungwana, president of the Langa LFA, and his team have worked tirelessly to enhance the already exceptional facilities, ensuring that Langa remains a sought-after host venue for sporting events.
Saturday kicked off with Jordan Callies pulling off an upset against Wanderers FC, winning 7-6 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Salt River Blackpool narrowly defeated the Tigers with a last-minute goal, winning 1-0 in a heated match. Stephanians Ottery chose not to risk penalties, decisively beating Grove Academy 4-1.
Wynberg St. Johns triumphed over Kalksteenfontein 4-3 after a thrilling penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw in extra time. Eyethu FC, living up to their name, which means "ours," shocked crowd favorite Rockafellas, winning 5-4 on penalties after coming back from a 1-1 draw in normal time. In a surprising match, Tafelzucht routed Samora Napoli FC 10-1, while Phuhla FC and Silver City treated fans to a nerve-wracking 13-12 penalty shootout.
Ayabonga Tonana of Umtata Unite tries to maintain possession under pressure from Origan Spurs’ Rozario de Vries during their Premier Cup play-off fixture, at Langa, on Sunday.
Image: Fuad Esack
Sunday was equally action-packed, with 50 goals scored across 18 games, averaging 2.8 goals per match. Wolverhampton FC dominated Langa Hot Spurs FC, winning 4-1, while Eagle Performance Academy triumphed over South End 5-4 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Elsewhere, Lansur United secured a stunning comeback victory against Lavender Hill FC, overturning a 2-1 deficit to win 4-2. Liverpool FC silenced Symphony FC with a 5-1 win, while Premier United made a statement with a 4-1 victory over Sporting United FC. Hellenic, after trailing for most of the game, scored a late equalizer and went on to beat Ravensmead AFC 5-4 on penalties. The weekend concluded with Silver Spurs knocking out Diadora FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Out of the 42 matches played, eight were decided by penalties. A total of 105 goals were scored, compared to 108 in 48 games during the previous round.
The action returns to Langa on Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, for the next round of play-off fixtures.
Origan Spurs' Alonso McNab takes a shot at goal, during his side's during his side's Premier Cup play-off fixture against Umtata United, at Langa, on Sunday.
Image: Mark Ward