9th Day South Africa
The weather gets only colder in South Africa during our summer months and that means more frustration for the CUNY team. Today was a slow day for the team as there are no major tours planned. But a game versus the Wits College U-19 squad awaits us. The morning is now over and we head out for a quick lunch before the game.
We arrive at the field to find the condition only getting worse. The wind has picked up and with the sun setting, the temperature was plummeting by the minute. This would be no excuse, as both teams would play under the same conditions. With a solid warm-up both teams are ready to take the field.
CUNY vs. Wits College U-19
The game started off rather quickly. Both teams were ready for each other, which made for entertaining soccer. In the first minutes, neither team was able to establish any possession because of tough defending. The first opportunity went to Wits College with a solid chance in front of the goal, which was saved masterfully by Kafui Kouakou. CUNY created a few chances in front of the goal especially off the corner kicks taken by Juan Gomez , but were unable to put anything away.
In the 11th minute the CUNY defense was caught flat and Wits converted on a one-on-one opportunity. The CUNY defense was confused because of an apparent offsides, but the referee thought otherwise. The game was not lost, and CUNY played hard and created a few chances in front of the goal. Unfortunately, none would go in but the pressure was on.
The second half started off just as fast with both teams going back and forth creating chances. The Wits goalkeeper did a nice job standing his ground and making key saves in very tough situations. In the 63rd minute another one-on-one opportunity leads to a second goal. The deflated CUNY team was pressing harder for a score, but was beaten three minutes later on a great shot from a sharp angle.
CUNY scored their only goal in the 81st minute as Ohinameh Aregebeyen found the rebound off Juan Gomez’s corner and put it in for his second tally on the tour. One minute later Wits put another one away to make the final score 4-1. The last game ended in a loss but goodwill was still spread as we give out t-shirts to the opposing team in our appreciation for their time.
“I think it was a the best game that we could play at that moment. About 60percent of what happened on the field was very positive. There were about 30 percent we couldn’t make happen but we made an effort. And 10 percent of the game I wasn’t satisfied with at all. Tactically we stayed on the game plan; we had a good idea of what we wanted to do. I am a proud of the guys who are on the field and who were playing together. I have to compliment our opponent. South Africa has a great future in football through its youth.”
Coach Kennichi on his feeling on the game