Varsity Football Women 2026: UJ and Tuks Reach Final
The Varsity Football Women 2026 tournament has reached its final stage, with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and UP-Tuks securing their places in the championship match.
UJ ended UWC’s hopes of defending their title with a narrow 1-0 win, while UP-Tuks survived a tense Pretoria derby against TUT after winning the match on penalties. The two victories have set up an exciting final in the Varsity Football Women 2026 competition.
Elsewhere, Wits finished their Group A campaign with a 1-0 victory over CPUT, while WSU came from behind to beat UL 2-1 in an entertaining contest between the two newcomers.
Varsity Football Women 2026: UJ Knock Out UWC
UJ produced a disciplined performance to beat defending champions UWC 1-0 at Wits Stadium and book their place in the Varsity Football Women 2026 final.
The Johannesburg side started strongly and put UWC under pressure from the early stages. UJ controlled much of the possession and pushed forward regularly, but UWC’s defence managed to deal with the pressure.
UWC goalkeeper Thandeka Ngcobo made several important saves as UJ looked for the breakthrough. The defending champions also created a few opportunities on the counter, although they struggled to seriously test UJ goalkeeper Matshidiso Masebe.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 67th minute. Lindelwa Mabuza combined with Sbongakonke Mzobe before receiving the return ball inside the penalty area. Mabuza then lifted the ball over Ngcobo and found the back of the net.
UWC pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but UJ remained organised and protected their lead until the final whistle.
The result ended UWC’s hopes of returning to the final and sent UJ into the championship match of the Varsity Football Women 2026 season.
UJ 1-0 UWC
Scorer: Lindelwa Mabuza (67′)
Player of the Match: Sthembile Sandleni (UJ)
UP-Tuks Survive TUT in Varsity Football Women 2026 Semifinal
UP-Tuks secured the second final spot after beating TUT in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
The Pretoria derby got off to a fast start, with Tuks taking the lead just five minutes into the match. Ibanathi Msindo’s free-kick from around 20 metres took a deflection off the crossbar and then the goalkeeper before crossing the line.
TUT responded quickly. In the 16th minute, captain Sibongile Ntoane stepped up for a free-kick and sent a low effort into the bottom corner to bring her side level.
Both teams continued to create opportunities, but neither could find another goal during normal play. TUT threatened through the pace of Thabiso Senyatsi and the physical presence of Gugu Mabitsela, while Tuks relied on a well-organised defence.
The match eventually went to penalties. After both teams missed two attempts during the initial rounds, the shootout moved into sudden death.
UP-Tuks kept their composure and eventually completed a 6-5 shootout victory. Goalkeeper Akani Maluleke produced the decisive save to send Tuks through to the Varsity Football Women 2026 final.
UP-Tuks 1 (6)-1 (5) TUT
Scorers: Ibanathi Msindo (UP-Tuks), Sibongile Ntoane (TUT)
Player of the Match: Ibanathi Msindo (UP-Tuks)
Wits Beat CPUT in Varsity Football Women 2026
Wits secured a narrow 1-0 victory over CPUT in their Group A playoff encounter.
The hosts started brightly and created early chances, including an opportunity for Nelly Tebele, whose header was cleared from the goal line.
Wits eventually found the opening goal through Nokubonga Msimango, who calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner.
CPUT improved after conceding and created opportunities of their own. Zilungile Mathiya tested the Wits goalkeeper with a dangerous free-kick, while Zozibini Jim later had a good chance to level the score.
Wits goalkeeper Matsie Moekwa remained alert throughout the second half and helped her team maintain the advantage.
Despite CPUT’s late pressure, Wits held on to claim a 1-0 victory in the Varsity Football Women 2026 competition.
Wits 1-0 CPUT
Scorer: Nokubonga Msimango
Player of the Match: Kihyana Daniels (CPUT)
WSU Come From Behind to Beat UL
WSU produced an impressive comeback to defeat UL 2-1 in another Varsity Football Women 2026 playoff match.
UL took the lead through Fiona Namanyana, who struck a low free-kick into the far corner after her side were awarded a set piece near the edge of the penalty area.
WSU pushed hard for an equaliser before half-time. Lilita Mweli came close, while another free-kick from Mweli struck the post.
The pressure eventually paid off after the break. Mandisa Gumede brought WSU level with a powerful left-footed finish after UL struggled to clear the danger.
WSU continued to attack and eventually completed the comeback. Lilitha Mjungula produced a looping effort from outside the box that found its way past the UL goalkeeper.
UL had one final chance late in the match when Keletso Rakgate found herself in a one-on-one situation, but her effort went straight at the goalkeeper.
WSU held on for a 2-1 win and completed a memorable comeback in the Varsity Football Women 2026 competition.
WSU 2-1 UL
Scorers: Mandisa Gumede, Lilitha Mjungula (WSU); Fiona Namanyana (UL)
Player of the Match: Fiona Namanyana (UL)
Varsity Football Women 2026 Final: UJ vs UP-Tuks
The Varsity Football Women 2026 final will now bring together UJ and UP-Tuks after both teams survived difficult semifinals.
UJ will enter the final with confidence after eliminating the defending champions, while Tuks will be encouraged by their ability to handle the pressure of a penalty shootout against local rivals TUT.
With two strong teams now left in the competition, the final promises to be a closely fought battle for the Varsity Football Women 2026 championship.
