Gauteng were crowned this year’s SAFA/SAB U21 National Championship winners after beating Western Cape 2-1 in the final, which took place in the North West University in Mahikeng.
Goals by Lesiba Mahlong and Qobolwakhe Sibande in the first half were enough to give Gauteng the desired win, following their consistent showing throughout this tournament.
They are the only side in this year’s edition, which finished off their campaign without suffering a single defeat.
Gauteng’s first goal came in the 13th minute when Mahlong connected well with eventual man-of-the-match winner, Richard Mokgoshi’s cross, to find the back of the net with a well-taken header.
In the 32nd minute, Sibande made it 2-0 with a superb finish after he was found marked by opposition’s defence in front of goal.
In the second half, Western Cape were awarded a penalty in the 87th minute, which striker Mickley George did a stunning job by converting the chance to give his side a fighting chance. However, it was all too late for the Western Cape as Gauteng kept matters tacked at the back to deny their opponents more scoring opportunities up until the final minute.
