Brilliant Sera punishes Liphakoe
Mikia Kalati
MOTEBANG Sera produced arguably his best performance in a Matlama shirt netting a hat-trick as Tse Putsoa came from a goal down to romp to a 3-1 victory over Liphakoe in an Econet Premier League tie at LCS Ground yesterday.
Liphakoe drew first blood through Neo Skosana who scored against the run of play on the 30th minute.
Tse Putsoa had started the match the better of the two teams but lacked composure in the final third.
But against the run of play, Liphakoe stunned the country’s most decorated team with the opening goal after goalkeeper Monaheng Ramalefane made a blunder and was punished by Skosana with an easy goal.
Skosana had an opportunity to increase the lead for the Quthing outfit shortly afterwards but squandered a good opportunity.
Jane Thabantšo looked to have got Matlama back in the game ten minutes later but his diving header from a Lebajoa Mosehlenyane cross was ruled offside.
The match headed to the half-time break with Liphakoe still enjoying the 1-0 lead.
Matlama came back strongly in the second half as they looked to find their way back into the match and had another effort by Sera ruled offside while Thabantšo was denied by the woodwork.
Tse Putsoa finally got their equaliser as an unmarked Sera lobbed the ball over Liphakoe goalkeeper Tankiso Chaba from outside the box to bring his side back into the game.
The lanky striker, who went for trials at South African giants Orlando Pirates late last year, was at it again a few minutes later scoring the second goal for Matlama inside the penalty box.
Sera left the best for the last scoring from a long-range effort beating an advancing Chaba with what could be a contender for the goal of the season.
The stunner by the Matlama and Likuena striker handed Tse Putsoa all the three points to strengthen their case in the race for the league title.
Matlama coach Thabile Secker told the Sunday Express that he was delighted with the second win in a row in the new year having also beaten Lioli 3-1 last weekend.
“I think this is a continuation from where we left-off against Lioli and I’m very happy with the performance of the boys against Liphakoe,” Secker said.
“The three points are very important in the race for the league title and goals are also very special.
“They were all beautiful goals and what a performance by Sera. I’m very happy for him but also, I have to acknowledge that all the players worked hard in the game.”
Elsewhere, Sefotha-fotha drew 2-2 with Linare in the first match at PTC Ground.
Lioli also returned to winning ways with a 3-0 hammering of struggling Majantja in Teyateyaneng.
Sweetberth Kum broke the deadlock for Tse Nala while Hopolang Mohalefi registered a brace to register their first win of 2019.
LCS also maintained their four points’ cushion at the top of the Econet Premier League with a 2-0 win over Likhopo in the second match at LCS Ground.
Saturday Econet Premier League results
Liphakoe 1-3 Matlama
Sefotha-fotha 2-2 Linare
Lioli 3-0 Matjantja
LCS 2-0 Likhopo
LDF 1-0 Galaxy
LMPS 1-0 Swallows
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