Teboho Molapo
LCS . . . . . . . . .(1) 2
Lioli . . . . . . . . .(0) 0
MASERU — Lioli’s early season charge came to a halt yesterday with a 2-0 loss to champions LCS at the Central Prison Ground.
The loss could be termed unlucky perhaps. Tse Nala were the better side in the first half and looked set to open the scoring.
But the cruel face of football showed itself again as a wicked ricochet in the box late in the first half led meant Lioli went to the breather trailing by a single goal.
LCS were awarded a free kick in the 34th minute after Maseka bundled into Thabane Rankara on the edge of the box.
From the resultant free-kick Tšeliso Khali’s effort deflected off the wall and fortuitously into Lawrence Molengoane’s path who beat Mohau Kuenane to give Masheshena the lead against the run of play.
From there LCS rarely looked like they would lose the game.
They showed the qualities that brought them the title and in the process knocked Lioli off the perch in the race for this season’s crown.
It was a pulsating game between two good teams and it lived up to the promise.
Coming off a resounding 3-0 win over Linare last week Lioli were always going to be confident and even the three changes made to their starting line-up by coach, Retšelisitsoe Lephaila, didn’t seem to halt their rhythm.
Sello ‘Muso, Montoeli Sonopo and Alli Maseka came in for Bafokeng Mosala, Teboho Lekhooa and Pitso Monne respectively.
Lioli were fluent on the Central Prison grass and had more goal attempts in the first 20 minutes.
They should have taken the lead in the 28th minute.
A well flighted corner-kick, won after some good interplay, was misjudged by the whole Masheshena defence including keeper Sam Ketsekile and Shetsane Ramoseeka headed into the side netting.
At this point Tse Nala were beginning to dominate with combination play directed by Ramoseeka with the guile of ‘Muso and Motlalepula Mofolo.
LCS looked to be missing top scorer Thulo Ranchobe and only had one shot in the first 30 minutes – a speculative effort by midfielder Ralekoti Mokhahlane.
The second half had a similar pattern to it with Lioli pushing forward and LCS containing the attacks.
However, LCS looked more in control than in the first half.
Mokhahlane in particular was outstanding in the middle of the park and halted any potential onslaught by Tse Nala.
Perhaps Lioli were also guilty of being too narrow and playing into the hands of Masheshena who crowded and pressured them.
Lioli made a few openings and a misjudgement in defence allowed ‘Muso a run on goal in the 58th minute but Ketsekile reacted in time to clear the ball out of danger.
Other moves frustratingly broke down in the final third or were snuffed out by LCS’ street smart defence.
LCS always looked threatening on the counter attack especially with the fast pace of Rankara.
Kuenane made a brilliant save off Molengoane’s shot in the 77th minute.
And in the 82nd minute the goal Lioli feared came as Ntobo finished off after Kuenane’s reflexes were not enough to stop LCS from a corner-kick.
Lioli almost responded straight away but ‘Muso’s strike was brilliantly saved by Ketsekile.
And with that the game and three points went to LCS.