GEORGE NEWS - The Thembalethu outfit Paris United Football Club defeated the Lawaaikamp giants, Black Cats, 2-1 in the final of the Geolfa "Buyisa Ibholalethu" tournament, played at the Lawaaikamp Stadium on Sunday afternoon, 29 October.
Ayabulela Joja scored two brilliant goals for Paris United, while Lithitha Toto netted one for Black Cats. In the semi-finals, Black Cats beat Vista 4-1 while Paris United knocked out Young Pirates with a three-goal performance.
Outstanding defence
In the final game, Paris United's tall centre-back Anathi Mtshazi, a Grade 11 learner from George Royal Academy, gave an outstanding performance by effectively repelling the attacks from the Black Cats' strikers.
Exciting final
The game kicked off with Paris United taking advantage of the strong wind to attack the Black Cats' defenders. Siphosakhe Dlaqi unleashed a powerful shot from inside the box on the right side of the field, but it was saved by Black Cats' goalkeeper, Aphelo Skiet. Paris United's forward, Nqabayethu Cimela, missed the target as his strike went over the crossbar.
Black Cats' players diligently defended against the offensive plays from Paris United's flanks. Ayabulela Joja, a Grade 12 learner from Jonga High School, scored the first goal of the game after an excellent pass from the left side of the field.
The home team, Black Cats, did their best to defend playing against the wind, but it was no easy task. The first half ended with Paris United leading 1-0.
Ayabulela Joja of Paris United scored a brace during the final.
Second-half surprises
The second half began at a rapid pace with both teams showing exceptional ball control. Black Cats players played entertaining football, striving to score and equalise.
Paris United defended their lead against the wind while Black Cats created more chances, including a corner kick, which was cleared by a Paris United defender. Nkosiyabo Toto of Black Cats was a threatening presence inside the box but Paris United's defenders made it difficult for him to score.
Ayabulela Joja of Paris United surprised everyone with a long-range shot just outside the box, scoring a spectacular goal to make it 2-0. Black Cats retaliated with Lithitha Toto making the best of an opportunity and scoring the first goal for his side.
Odwa Peterson of Paris United attempted a shot from the left side of the field, but it was denied by the goalkeeper. The exciting final ended 2-1, with Paris United making history by defeating the Black Cats in the final game after many years of struggling to beat them.
Promotional League final
In the final match of the Promo-tional League, United Spurs faced off against Future Stars. Both teams displayed improved discipline on the field, showing strong offensive play and excellent ball-handling skills.
Despite this, neither side managed to score during regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout which United Spurs won 4(0)-3(0) to claim the title.
Ayabulela Joja of Paris United scored a brace during the final. Photo: Zama Gagu
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