The semi-finalists of the 2023 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng leg were officially confirmed on Saturday, 08 July at the Wits Marks Park Sports Grounds after Day 2 of the ongoing youth football competition.
Defending champions of the Girls’ division, University of Johannesburg remain on course to defending their title as they advanced into the last four with a comfortable 6 – 0 win over Panorama Football Club to set up a clash against their all-time rivals, University of Pretoria who cruised past Rosina Sedibane 11 – 0.
JVW came out tops after a hard-fought 2-0 victory Springs Home Sweepers while Mamelodi Sundowns overcame a resilient Blue Birds Ladies FC 3-1 to round up the girls’ quarter-finals round.
Things were a bit more intense in the Boys division as only one of the four quarter-final fixtures were concluded within the referee’s regulation time.
Mamelodi Sundowns became the first team to secure a place in the last four after a convincing 2-0 victory over Panorama Football Club, who caused an upset earlier with a 2-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs that saw the defending champions bow out of the competition.
University of Pretoria played out to a 2-2 draw with Randburg FC but were fortunate enough to advance 4-3 on penalties.
Orlando Pirates had to come back from behind after conceding in the first half to force matters into penalties after a 1-1 draw as they marched into the semi-finals after a tense 4-3 victory over SuperSport United.
TS Galaxy, who have been a revelation in the competition also had to rely on the lottery of penalties after Rosina Sedibane came back from behind to make it 1-1 at full time before the Rockets won 5-4 on penalties.
The Engen Knockout Challenge draws to a close on Sunday morning with some exciting semi-final fixtures to look forward to in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
