LCS stun Matlama
Moorosi Tsiane
MOSIUOA Boseeka came off the bench to steer LCS into a much-needed win against Matlama in an Econet Premier League top of the table clash at LCS Ground yesterday.
The win saw the correctional service outfit cementing their place at the summit of the 14-team league table with 30 points while Matlama settled for second with 23 points.
Matlama came into the match following their 2-nil win against LDF on Wednesday at Ratjomose Ground while LCS were not in action during the week.
The match was evidently tactical with both sides exuding caution from the first minute.
However, it was Matlama who pushed forward first with Teboho Lillane shooting from range five minutes into the match. LCS goalkeeper Sam Ketsekile parried the ball to Lebajoa Mosehlenyane who failed to bury the chance and shot straight to Ketsekile.
LCS were in attack minutes later with Makara Ntaitsane catching Matlama in a counter and passed the ball to an unmarked James Mothotjeloa but he wasted the chance shooting straight at keeper Monaheng Ramalefane.
LCS suffered a blow on the half hour mark when their midfielder Setho Moshoeshoe had to be substituted due to an injury and Mosiuoa Boseeka replaced him.
There seemed to be an exchange of words between LCS striker Thapelo Tale and his teammates that saw him being substituted immediately and Leboneng Moqecho was introduced.
Matlama could have found the goal a minute before the break when Motebang Sera received the ball in a counter attack between the LCS duo of Poloko Mohale and Lehlohonolo Moabi. Tse Putsoa’s marksman passed on the ball to Phafa Tšosane who was unmarked on the blind side but the latter missed an open net.
The home side were the first to attempt for the goal five minutes after the break forcing Matlama defender Lisema Lebokollane to clear a well-placed Boseeka shot from just outside the penalty arch on the line.
A minute later, LCS pulled out Mothotjeloa who was having a bad day in the office replacing him with Thetso Phosholi.
Matlama made their first substitute on the day introducing Reitumetsi Linkoane for Bushy Moletsane on the 58th minute.
Matlama were nearly punished on 67 minutes as Kefuoe Mahula easily gave the ball away to Phosholi trying to play a shot pass inside his own half. The speedy LCS winger quickly released the ball to Ntaitsane who found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat but Ramalefane was quick to react and saved the strike.
Masheshena kept on knocking on Matlama’s goals and a few minutes later Boseeka once again came close with a far placed set piece a few paces outside from the penalty box but Ramalefane again came to the party producing another fantastic save.
Matlama made their second substitute on the 70th minute with Lehlomela Ramabele coming in for Mosehlenyane. The tempo of the match increased as both sides raced against time.
LCS came close once again but striker an unmarked Moqecho squandered the chance as he headed straight to Ramalefane from Ntaitsana’s cross on 74 minutes.
Boseeka proved to be a thorn to Matlama’s defence on dead balls and he once gain forced Ramalefane to produce yet another good save from a long-range set piece seven minutes before time.
Mabuti Potloane wrapped up Matlama’s changes coming in for Tšosane five minutes before final whistle.
Matlama were just few seconds from spoiling the LCS party and stop their winning streak but Boseeka had a surprise for them curling straight from the corner to beat Ramalefane and give LCS a victory in the optional time.
LCS coach Mpitsa Marai was delighted with his charges’ performance and said they played according to their game plan.
“I am satisfied with the performance and most importantly by collecting the maximum points,” Marai said.
“We played according to our game plan because most of the things we had talked about happened.
“It was a critical match, yes but you could see that both teams were trying to be offensive and I give credit to Matlama for pushing us all the way.”
He said this win will go a long way in helping them to achieve their mission.
“It was an important win for us because this is the team which is breathing on our necks.”
Matlama coach Thabile Secker on the other hand said the race is still on and they haven’t given up on the title chase.
“This race is still too long and we still have extra two matches than LCS so anything can still happen. For now, we just have to go into this break and regroup and see how we go forward in our next matches.
“I think the fact that we also played during the mid-week might have worked against us,” Secker said.
In the first match of a double header at LCS Ground, Liphakoe and Linare drew 1-1.
There was also a double header at PTC ground that saw Kic4Life continue with their fine form beating Sefotha-fotha 1-nil to make it five wins in a row.
In the second match Likhopo also stunned LMPS 1-0 to make it their third win on the go.
LDF also returned to winning ways thumping struggling Swallows 4-nil at Ratjomose Ground.
In Teyateyaneng, Lioli also returned to winning ways coming from a goal down to beat Galaxy 2-1 to wrap up league matches this year.
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