Molatelo Kobo and Ntobifikile Ndlovu scored two historic goals against Aigles de la Medina to give debutants University of Western Cape a lifeline at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League on Tuesday afternoon.
The two rookies came into the Group A encounter in El Jadida needing a win to have any real chance of fighting for the knockout phase following their respective losses to TP Mazembe and ASFAR in the opening round.
The Blues controlled matters from the first whistle and had an early threat from a free-kick but that only forced the goalkeeper to come out.
Captain Amogelang Motau and Khanya Xesi were guilty of missing chances in the opening minutes especially.
Medina had their first real chance at goal on the half hour mark from Bineta Seck, but her shot was wide.
Sibulele Holweni joined the party in the last 15 minutes of the half and missed two golden opportunities to put UWC ahead, first from her wide set-piece just outside the box and another from a run of play which was deflected for a corner.
UWC made two changes at the start of the second half with Kobo and Ronnel Donnelly replacing Xesi and Tiffany Kortjie.
The changes brought on an immediate impact as two minutes later, UWC got a goal from Ndlovu, but it was ruled offside by VAR.
Two minutes later, a combination of Donnelly and Fikile Magama ended with Kobo scoring a historic goal for the Hollywoodbets Super League side to break the deadlock.
Holweni could’ve doubled the lead but was denied by the crossbar in the 55th minute.
Koketso Mamabolo then set up Ndlovu for an absolute stunner in the top right corner to make it 2-0 in the 66th minute.
UWC’s last group match is against 2022 champions and hosts ASFAR on Friday where they stand a real chance to get out of the group.
This game will follow the latter’s match with TP Mazembe later this evening.
