Benoni Cambridge United delivered a determined performance to secure a 2-1 victory over Callies FC in their league encounter in Vosloorus on October 31, collecting all three points to maintain their second-place position in the league standings.

The Nigel-based side started aggressively, showing attacking intent and exploiting the width of the pitch on both flanks. BCU settled quickly into the contest, controlling possession and putting the home side under pressure.

Their positive approach paid off in the 10th minute when winger Nesh Komane found the breakthrough.

A well-timed run behind the Callies’ defence allowed him to get on the end of the pass before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Callies responded by creating their own chances and gradually worked their way back into the match.

A defensive error from BCU allowed the hosts to equalise before the interval, with the teams heading into half-time locked at 1-1.

BCU increased the tempo after the restart and created several promising scoring opportunities as they looked to regain the lead. However, their inability to convert chances, including a missed penalty, threatened to undermine their efforts. The visitors’ challenge intensified when centre-back Ramos received a red card, forcing BCU to continue with 10 players for the remainder of the match.

Despite being a player down, BCU maintained their attacking approach and showed considerable resilience.

The introduction of substitutes brought renewed energy and attacking impetus, helping the visitors keep troubling the Callies defence.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 80th minute when captain Banele Mkwanazi scored the decisive goal to put BCU 2-1 ahead. BCU showed tactical discipline and composure in the closing stages, managing the game effectively to deny Callies a chance to equalise and secure a hard-earned away victory.

BCU coach Eddie Dista praised his players for their character and determination, particularly after being reduced to 10 men. Dista said the team controlled much of the first half and kept Callies under pressure, despite conceding through a defensive mistake.

He also felt BCU improved their ball movement after the break and created several good opportunities but lacked the finishing touch. He also praised the squad for maintaining their approach despite the numerical disadvantage, describing their determination as a positive step forward for the team.