Thabo Johnson
Thabo Johnson
Gutsy Leratong High School's boys team are through to this year's Under-18 Copa Coca-Cola Football Stars national finals.
The Botshabelo-based school eliminated favourites Harmony Academy 5-3 in a penalty shootout in the Free State final staged at the Mangaung outdoor sport Complex on Monday.
Harmony looked set to advance to the national final as they were leading 2-0 at half time. But Leratong staged a dramatic comeback to level matters and forced the match to go to penalties.
Their captain and goalkeeper Thaba Leshokoe was the hero, saving two penalties to hand his team the title .
The victory ended the Virginia-based Harmony school's provincial dominance.
Delighted Leratong coach Thomas Monyane said he was impressed with the team's fighting spirit after motivating his boys at half time.
Sipho Plaatje gave Leratong hope when he scored to reduce the deficit to 2-1 and later on Themba Ntanjane equalised with a brilliant corner kick.
It was the second penalty shootout win for Leratong in the tournament, after a 4-3 win over Thabang from Viljoenskrooon in the first semifinal .
Harmony outclassed Ntsu from Bethlehem 4-0 in the second semifinal.
Leratong on song in final
Thabo Johnson
Thabo Johnson
Gutsy Leratong High School's boys team are through to this year's Under-18 Copa Coca-Cola Football Stars national finals.
The Botshabelo-based school eliminated favourites Harmony Academy 5-3 in a penalty shootout in the Free State final staged at the Mangaung outdoor sport Complex on Monday.
Harmony looked set to advance to the national final as they were leading 2-0 at half time. But Leratong staged a dramatic comeback to level matters and forced the match to go to penalties.
Their captain and goalkeeper Thaba Leshokoe was the hero, saving two penalties to hand his team the title .
The victory ended the Virginia-based Harmony school's provincial dominance.
Delighted Leratong coach Thomas Monyane said he was impressed with the team's fighting spirit after motivating his boys at half time.
Sipho Plaatje gave Leratong hope when he scored to reduce the deficit to 2-1 and later on Themba Ntanjane equalised with a brilliant corner kick.
It was the second penalty shootout win for Leratong in the tournament, after a 4-3 win over Thabang from Viljoenskrooon in the first semifinal .
Harmony outclassed Ntsu from Bethlehem 4-0 in the second semifinal.