Moorosi Tsiane MASERU — LDF held LMPS to a goalless draw pushing them to an early exit from the Lesotho National Insurance Group (LNIG) Top 8 in a dull quarter-finals match played at Ha-Ratjomose yesterday.
Sohle-Sohle as the army side LDF is affectionately known, came into the match sitting in a comfortable position with an away goal advantage following their one-all draw in their first leg encounter played at the Police Training College grounds last Sunday and a goalless draw was all they needed to book a spot into the next stage of the competition.
The low-paced match started with the two teams seemingly clueless about what to do with the ball, merely knocking it around aimlessly.
The home side were the ones to challenge for a goal first with a cracker from long range by their winger, Mafoafoa Lephoto in ninth minute but LMPS keeper, Lekunutu Tšoeunyane was too quick on the safe.
The police side keeper was the busier of the two on the day making brilliant saves to make sure that his side did not concede to stay in the race.
One such incident was when he was again forced to come to his team’s rescue when he produced a brilliant save from a well-taken strike by LDF skipper, Janefeke Molibeli, from a 14th minute cross.
The visiting side had a chance of drawing first blood when their striker Bokang Mohasi was fouled just outside the box but Shetsi Ramoseeka’s poorly taken set piece went over the bar.
LDF came back a better team in the second half creating numerous goal scoring opportunities but poor finishing proved too costly for them.
In 75th minute the police side striker, Mohasi headed home a well curled cross by Ramoseeka which was unfortunately disallowed as offside by referee Makhobalo Matheola.
Meanwhile in post-match interviews LDF coach, Malefetsane Pheko hailed his charges for a job well done.
He said their aim coming to the match was to qualify and hence was glad that they had been able to live up to that.
He said as a new coach having to qualify to the next stage is a motivation to him although there is still room for improvement.
He said they were now in a very crucial stage of knock-outs hence they were going back to the drawing board to work on their finishing.
Meanwhile LMPS coach, Lelia Makubakube congratulated LDF for qualifying and said it shows that they did their home work thoroughly.
He said he was satisfied with how his side played although they lost the chance to proceed to the next stage.
“I am satisfied with how we played since we are still recovering from a long break following the closure of the first round matches of the league for Christmas holidays,” Makubakube said.
Elsewhere Thabane Rankara’s only one goal of the day saw LCS beat Likhopo 1-0 in a quarter final match played at LCS grounds to advance into the semifinals with a 2-0 aggregate score following their one-nil victory against the same side last weekend.