…as Matlama suffer shock defeat
Moorosi Tsiane
A goal apiece from Thabo Seakhoa and Litšepe Marabe saw LCS share the spoils with Bantu in yesterday’s Vodacom Premier League match played at LCS Ground.
LCS were the more aggressive side when the match kicked off, as they went in search of an early goal.
The early break nearly came in the 5th minute but striker Thabane Rankara’s free header from Tšepo George’s cross narrowly missed the target.
The home side kept on piling the pressure, but Bantu stood firm and nearly went ahead themselves in the 45th minute—only for Marabe to hit the upright post following a neat cross by his brother Mokone.
The second half was even more entertaining with both teams out to break the deadlock, with coming close in the 50th minute through winger Hopolang Mohlalefi, whose volley however, sailed over the cross-bar.
Bantu then introduced Katleho Moleko for Mohlalefi in the 53rd minute, but it was LCS who finally found the net through Seakhoa’s penalty kick. This was after defender Thabo Masualle was penalized for bringing down striker Thabang Rabi inside the box on the hour mark.
Five minutes later LCS made a double substitution of Ralekoti Mokhahlane and Likano Teele for Rankara and Thato Moabi, before Refiloe Mothae came in for Lieta Lehloka in the 79th minute.
Masheshena could have extended their lead soon after the last substitution but Mokhahlane’s set-piece hit the post.
However, Seakhoa’s goal was cancelled by a well-taken Marabe free-kick in the 79th minute. The strike took Marabe’s tally to 15 goals in 17 league matches.
After the match, Bantu coach Motlatsi Shale said he was disappointed by his players’ display.
“The match did not go as planned, so I am not happy. Maybe the players were fatigued after arriving from Gabon on Wednesday following a very tough match against Mangasport in the Champions League last Saturday,” Shale said.
On his part, LCS assistant coach, Moshe Lephoto heaped praise on his side for the result.
“We played well, and with a bit of luck, could have won the match,” Lephoto said.
Meanwhile, in other Vodacom Premier League matches played yesterday, struggling LMPS beat powerhouse Matlama 1-0 at Pitso Ground, in the greatest shock of the day. The police outfit are second from bottom on the 14-team log, while Matlama have been on the rise in recent weeks and went to the tie in fifth place on the table. In the other matches, Nyenye Rovers thrashed Linare 2-0 at St Monica’s, and LDF outplayed Kick4Life 2-0 at Ha Ratjomose Ground.
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