Saxon Rovers bow out in nail-biting semi-final

Saxon Rovers FC’s Waleed Krotz looks to spread the ball during his side’s Coke Cup semi-final clash against FC Tafelzucht. Picture: Fuad Esack

Saxon Rovers FC coach, Keagan Jansen and co, can be forgiven for feeling a bit bruised following Sunday’s narrow 4-3 defeat on penalties in their Coke Cup semi-final match against Mitchell’s Plain’s FC Tafelzucht, at the Stephen Reagan sports complex in Westridge.

Saxon Rovers’ Taswin Mathee celebrates his side’s opening goal against FC Tafelzucht, in a Coke Cup semi-final, in Mitchell’ Plain, on Sunday. Picture: Fuad Esack

“Eish, it was a tough one to swallow as we did well in the first half. It could’ve been a bit better in the final third, but the decision-making wasn’t good enough,” said Jansen.

By all accounts, the Maitland side started off well in the first half and were first to open the scoreline thanks to a header by an unmarked Taswin Mathee off a well-taken set-piece.

Rovers struck early in the first half but adopted a defensive pattern after Ashley Nel was red-carded for a second offence, leaving them vulnerable. Keanu Josias pulled one back for Tafelzucht in the second half after his side had trailed 1-0 at half-time.

Saxon Rovers Marcelino Lambert beats his marker to the ball during his side’s Coke Cup semi-final against FC Tafelzuct. Picture: Fuad Esack

“We knew they were going to come at us, we just couldn’t hold onto the lead. Well taken goal from Tafelzucht, said Jansen, quick to congratulate his opponents.

It was still anyone’s game at the end of regular time with the score level at 1-all and a penalty shootout on the cards.

Saxon goalkeeper Marcelino Martin and his defence did well throughout the match to keep the Tafelzucht attack in check, despite being one man down due to the referee’s red card decision.

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Saxon Rovers FC goalkeeper Marcelino Martin had things under control for most of the match during his side’s Coke Cup semi-final against FC Tafelzucht. Picture: Fuad Esack

In the end, it all came down to a one-on-one battle: goalkeeper versus spot kicker. With both sides having scored and missed in equal measure, the stalemate continued, resulting in a sudden death situation, with the Mitchell’s Plain side emerging victorious.

Saxon Rovers FC goalkeeper Marcelino Martin gains possession during his side’s Coke Cup semi-final against FC Tafelzucht. Picture: Fuad Esack

Good inter-play between Saxon’s Ridhaa Essack and Ashley Nel catches FC Tafelzucht’s Emeraan Rayners on the wrong foot. Picture: Fuad Esack

“I’m just happy for the experience and want to say thank you to the coaches and club for trusting me with taking charge of our Coke Cup team,” Jansen said.

Meanwhile, Tafelzucht (FCT) will face Vasco da Gama in what one of the more than a 1000 jubilant FCT fans described as “a dream final”, at Athlone Stadium, on Saturday October 26. Vasco beat Manenberg’s Young Idols 1-0 in their senior men’s semi-final to secure a cup final spot.

UCT’s Geneve Jaftha and The Magic Ladies FC’s Tyuana Hendricks during their side’s Coke Cup women’s division semi-final, in Mitchell’s Plain, at the weekend. UCT won 2-0 and will now face champions, Khayelitsha’s Dangerous Heroes, in next week’s cup final match, at Athlone Stadium. Heroes beat Salt River Blackpool 2-0 to advance to the finals. Picture: Fuad Esack

In the women’s section, the University of Cape Town beat Rondebosch’s The Magic 2-0 with Janica Andrews (penalty) and Geneve Jaftha scoring the much needed goals. They now meet champions Dangerous Heroes who beat Salt River Blackpool 3-2 in the final.The students leave on Friday for Knysna where they will be playing in the national Sasol play-off for a place in the Hollywoodbets national women’s league.