Bidvest Wits were crowned 2017 Telkom Knockout champions after a last minute goal handed them a 1-0 win over a gallant Bloemfontein Celtic at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Clever Boys dominated much of the first half, showing strong attacking flair, while Bloemfontein Celtic managed a few efforts on goal that kept the tension alive. As the second half kicked off, Celtic upped the ante with spirited attacks, though Wits continued to create chances, sharpening the contest until a dramatic last-minute winner settled the game.
Match Report
The match began cautiously, with both teams testing each other. On the 15-minute mark, Amr Gamal came close with two quick headers just wide of the target, signaling Wits’ intent.
Bloemfontein Celtic’s Roggert Nyundu nearly took the lead at 20 minutes, volleying just out of range from outside the box, thrilling the home fans.
A pivotal moment occurred when Wits appeared set to score after Celtic defender Wandisile Letlabika accidentally deflected Gabadinho Mhango’s cross towards his own net, but the ball hit both uprights and slipped away from Daylon Claasen and Gamal’s follow-up attempts.
Close to halftime, Ndumiso Mabena fired a snap shot from inside the box, expertly saved by Wits goalkeeper Darren Keet, maintaining the deadlock.
Early in the second half, Victor Letsoala launched a header over the keeper in the 62nd minute, but Keet made a superb save by tipping the ball onto the crossbar.
Mabena had another opportunity for Celtic, but he missed the target, while Wits’ Thabang Monare and Mhango both had tame shots saved easily by Celtic keeper Patrick Tingyemb.
With few chances late on, the match seemed destined for extra time.
But in a thrilling finale, Amr Gamal broke free from the defence, slickly dribbling past two defenders down the left wing before delivering an exquisite cross to substitute Vincent Pule. Pule brilliantly back-heeled the ball into the net on the turn, sealing a memorable victory for Bidvest Wits.
