By Mbali Mokoko.
Abarondoli have won the 32nd edition of the Philly’s Games after beating Rebels FC 2-1 in a pulsating final at a packed Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa on Tuesday afternoon.
This was Abarondoli’s first title win in six appearances in the final, while Rebels’ previous appearance in the finals was in 2015, when they were crowned champions after defeating Abarondoli 3-0.
In Tuesday’s encounter, Rebels had the ball in the back of the net as early as the 10th minute, but Kyle Koert was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up to the goal.
Koert was in fine form for the 2015 champions as he bossed the midfield and won every battle.
Abarondoli though scored first through a header from a corner kick as Themba Ndlovu made it 1-0 in the 41st minute.
The Tembisa side went into halftime leading and with one hand on the trophy.
However, Rebels, with their ‘never say die’ attitude, continued to press and they restored parity through supersub Cameron Pholle who scored in the 77th minute with his first touch.
With a minute left before the final whistle, James Everson scored the winner for Abarondoli.
Rebels nearly equalised but a crucial block made sure the scoreline didn’t change.
The 2-1 win saw Abarondoli collect a cheque of R220 000 and the coveted trophy as they now stand a chance of appearing in the DStv Champ of Champs in 2024 if they win the regional qualifiers.