Mikia Kalati
LDF and LCS booked their places in today’s LNIG Top8 final after defeating Bantu and Matlama respectively in the semi-finals yesterday.
LDF beat Bantu 7-6 on penalties following a 1-1 stalemate during the 90 minutes.
Thabiso Lichaba turned from hero to villain after missing a penalty in sudden death to hand the army side an opportunity to win its first major trophy in over a decade.
Lichaba, who had saved a penalty by Mojela Letsie, missed his penalty before Tšolo Mokapane fired his team into the final with the last penalty.
During the 90 minutes, both teams created few goal scoring chances and the first goal of the match came in the second half through Bantu substitute Mokone Marabe, who pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area.
LDF fought back through Thabang Rabi after some hard work by experienced forward, Mojela Letsie.
But both goals came late and the match went straight to penalties.
Bantu defender Mkwanazi Mkwanazi and Lichaba missed their spot kicks.
Letsie said they were excited to be in the final.
“Our camp is in high spirits because it is our first final in a long time and we have a chance of winning our first trophy in more than a decade,” Letsie said.
Letsie, who also missed his penalty after an impressive performance coming from the bench, said he was relieved that his team won in the end.
“Penalties are like that but I’m happy that we won in the end,” he said.
LCS coach Mpitsa Marai, praised his charges after a 5-4 victory over Matlama on penalties after a goaless draw.
“We had to sweat to beat Matlama on penalties and we are happy. We have been unlucky in several finals but failing to get anything. I hope our fortunes will change tomorrow because it’s been a long time without a trophy.
“Matlama were the defending champions and we knew that it was going to be a tough match and we give them credit for the challenging match that they gave us.
“However, my players deserve the biggest credit for fighting all the way to the end. We now go back to our camp to prepare for the final against LDF tomorrow (today),” Marai said.
The winner of the LNIG Top8 will pocket M100 000.
Bantu and Matlama will battle it for a third-place finish in the early match tomorrow afternoon.
The competition is sponsored by the Lesotho National Insurance Group (LNIG).