LCS…0
Likila United (1) 1
Moorosi Tsiane
A first-half goal by Pheello Sephooana helped rookies Likila United shock LCS 1-0 in a Vodacom Premier League match played at LCS Ground yesterday.
Sephooana tapped the ball into an empty net after a schoolboy blunder by LCS goalkeeper, Daniel Jousse eight minutes before the half-time break.
Yesterday’s match, which saw both teams playing impressively in the middle of the park, started at a slow pace, with little goalmouth action, much to the frustration of the handful of fans who braved the blustery weather to watch the tie.
However, LCS midfielder, Ralekoti Mokhahlane nearly found the opener with a well-curled set-piece, only to hit the woodwork on the half-hour mark.
Seven minutes later, Sephooana broke the deadlock to put his side into the lead going to the half-time break.
Likila came back into the second half the better of the two sides and seemed to have the match in the bag in the 52nd minute, but Mafelesi’s goal was immediately flagged for off-side.
In an effort to stabilise the midfield, LCS immediately made a double substitute of Lehlohonolo Lenka and Thato Moabi for Rankara and Lakano Teele.
The substitutions seemed to work wonders for LCS as they began to dominate the match, forcing Likila to play deep in their own half.
Mokhahlane was then denied an equaliser by the post in the 62nd minute, as LCS poured forward to find the much-needed breakthrough.
Likila then immediately responded by introducing Moeketsi Rantšo and Tšeliso Chenene for Koali Nkhahle and Sephooana, before LCS midfielder, Lieta Lehloka made way for Tšoeu Tšotetsi soon after.
Yet despite their belated dominance, LCS could have lost the match by two goals to nil had Likila striker, Mafelesi found the target after being allowed a free header four minutes before the final whistle.
In a post-match interview, Likila coach, Lepenya Borotho said he was proud of his team, who are making their Premiership debut this season, and have since beaten the likes of FC Likhopo.
“The match went according to plan, which was to play possession football. I am happy with the commitment the players have shown today, which is what made us beat a big team like LCS,” Borotho said.
“We are playing good football but we don’t want to put the players under unnecessary pressure because our mandate was to see that we stay in the Premier League, so winning any silverware will be a bonus for us.”
On the other hand, LCS assistant coach, Moshe Lephoto, lamented lack of luck for their defeat.
“We played well today but it was just not our day. Luck was simply not on our side today because we created many chances that we could have easily buried. Again, we concede from a very silly mistake from our goalkeeper,” Lephoto said.
In other Premier League matches played yesterday, Lioli beat Nyenye Rovers 2-1 in St Monica’s.