…as Matlama continue winless league run…
Leemisa Thuseho
LDF have ended their two games winless streak by edging Swallows 1-0 in a Vodacom Premier League (VPL) tie at Ratjomose Ground.
A late goal from Letlatsa Moshoeshoe saw LDF bouncing back to winning ways yesterday having drawn against LCS and Bantu in their last two games.
LDF were quick to impose themselves, but Swallows immediately settled and calmed their opponents.
Moshoeshoe’s first attempt was a header, but he missed the target seven minutes into the game.
Swallows came close on 13 minutes but Tšepo Moerane’s weak shot went straight into the keeper’s hands.
LDF increased its urgency and launched numerous attacks into the box, but poor finishing cost the side.
Despite getting numerous freekicks near the Swallows penalty area, LDF failed to capitalise on the opportunities.
In a one set-piece situation, Morena Moloi thought he had scored but Katleho Lekaka went for a well-timed header to clear the ball and the game went for the break with the sides level.
After the break, LDF coach, Motheo Mohapi, sacrificed Lethunya Leruo for striker Retšelisitsoe Mopeli to respond to create scoring chances.
He later summoned Koete Mohloai from the bench for Ramabele Tšiame.
Swallows almost suffered a blow when defender Sekhonyana Makhobalo flicked to beat his own keeper, but he was saved by the woodwork.
On 69 minutes, Mopeli came close but he missed the target.
On 81 minutes, at the end of the match, Mohau Khali squandered a chance to give Swallows the lead when he fired above the bar.
The sides shuffled their players again towards the end of the match and it was LDF who finally broke the deadlock through Moshoeshoe. He fired from outside the box to beat Swallows’ Thabo Mokoena to seal a 1-0 victory for LDF with three minutes to spare.
In other league matches yesterday, the league’s defending champions, Matlama, failed to extend their lead at the top of the log as they lost 1-0 to Lijabatho in Morija.
Matlama have now gone for three games without a win. They were first held to a goalless draw by Lifofane before they lost 1-0 to LCS last weekend.
On the other hand, the win saw Lijabatho moving from fourth to the top of the table with 14 points. Matlama dropped into second with 13 points.
Elsewhere, Linare and CCX shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate in Hlotse. Lioli and Machokha also drew 0-0 in Teyateyaneng.