Leemisa Thuseho

LESOTHO’S CAF Champions League representatives, Bantu, were yesterday booted out of the continental tournament after a goalless draw with Zambia’s Nkana in Kitwe.

The result saw Nkana proceeding to the next stage on a 1-0 aggregate having beaten Bantu at Setsoto last Sunday.

Following the home loss, Bantu needed to win by a clear two goal score line to proceed to the next stage. And the Mafeteng outfit was yesterday out in full force throwing everything at their hosts.

However, despite the desire to win, Bantu were kept at bay creating just a handful of chances in the first half. Nkana on the other hand, also failed to harm their visitors preferring to play safe.

Bantu were dealt a heavy blow in the second half after Sentle Masale was shown a red card for a bad tackle. With 10 men, Bantu could do little apart from avoiding conceding a goal. The match eventually ended nil-all.

Nkana will now face either Akonangui (Equatorial Guinea) or Athletico Petroleos of Angola in the next round.

Bantu had been hoping for better fortunes after having gone past the preliminary round in 2018 by knocking out Botswana’s Township Rollers.

They were knocked out by AS Vita of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after losing 4-1 away and drawing 1-1 at home.

A year earlier, Bantu failed to go beyond the group stages losing to Mbabane Swallows of eSwatini. They lost 4-2 at home but went on to win 3-1 away. They were knocked out on goal difference.

Back in the country Bantu will have no time to rest as they are expected to start their title defence with a clash against Kick4Life at Setsoto Stadium on 12 December 2020.