…as Sundawana stun Bantu in Mafeteng
Moorosi Tsiane
Ten-man Matlama held LCS to a goalless draw in a dull Vodacom Premier League match played at LCS Ground yesterday.
The match, which had been billed as a sizzler, failed to live-up to expectations with both teams playing long balls from the first whistle.
On the few occasions Matlama showed glimpses of brilliance, they were let down by their finishing, while LCS were equally wasteful and unimaginative.
The expulsion of midfielder Jane Thabantšo a minute before halftime for a dangerous tackle on fellow midfielder Khethisa Masenyetse, meant Matlama were to complete the match without their only shining light of the day.
Immediately after the break, Matlama introduced Mohau Khali for Tumelo Maine, in an effort to make up for Thabantšo’s loss but the substitution did not change the complexion of their game.
In fact, it was LCS who nearly broke the deadlock when Ralekoti Mokhahlane’s 55th minute volley from Lieta Lehloka’s pass, went over the bar.
Five minutes later, Mokhahlane was substituted for Lehlohonolo Lenka, who however, did not make much difference.
But LCS nearly took the lead in the 78th minute when veteran midfielder Kutloisiso Nthonyana’s strike just outside the penalty area, was cleared off the goal-line by Nkesi Rankhasa.
After the match, Matlama coach Moses Maliehe admitted his charges had a bad day in the office.
“The players simply did not follow the game-plan and we nearly paid dearly for it,” Maliehe said.
“Thabantso’s red card also affected us as we were forced to change our game-plan.
“That is one of the behaviors that we must never allow in this game. After that red card, we were forced to totally change our game plan, and our play deteriorated even further.”
LCS coach Mpitsa Marai also said his team had a terrible afternoon.
“A draw is not a good result, especially when playing against a team that is one man short,” he said.
“Our major problem is finishing; we have been working on it and we must continue doing so because this is where we are lacking. We create chances but fail to convert them.”
In other premier league matches played yesterday, Sundawana shocked Bantu 1-0 in Mafeteng through Raboana Koloti’s strike. This was Sundawana’s sixth consecutive win of the season.
Lioli ended their poor run with a 2-0 win over Rovers in Roma while LDF beat Liphakoe 2-0 at Ratjomose Ground.
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