Super Eagles of Free State have secured a place in next season’s National First Division (NFD).
This comes after they defeated Buya Msuthu (North West) 3-1 in their final group stage match to go top of Group A ahead of Acornbush in the 2017 ABC Motsepe National Play-Offs currently underway in East London.
Both Acornbush and Eagles finished on ten points each, but the latter had a better goal difference – they scored eight goals, conceded two, while the former found the back of the net five times and did not concede.
The Free State side came into the Play Offs after winning their provincial league with an impressive record of 21 victories, six draws and three defeats from the 30 home and away matches of the season.
Eagles had a tough opening encounter against Mpumalanga’s Acornbush, which ended goalless.
The Free State side then made amends in their second clash against Maccabi FC of Gauteng, emerging 2-1 victors and kept them within touching distance of log leaders Acornbush.
Eagles continued on their winning streak when they brushed aside The Dolphins 3-1 in their penultimate match to elevate them to seven points.
Coming into the last match on Friday (9 June), Eagles needed to win by a two-goal margin to book a place in the NFD and to play in the final of the Play-Offs on Sunday.
They got off to a flying start as early as they grabbed the lead in the 4th minutes, but it was short-lived as Buya Msuthu restored parity a few minutes later.
The Free State side came back fighting in the second half and scored two crucial goals to ensure they shot to the top of the table.
Wild scenes were witnessed after the final whistle as Eagles celebrated their passage to the National First Division.
They will face the winner of Group B in the final on Sunday, 11 June at Buffalo City Stadium.
Kick off is at 15h00.
Ends.