Teboho Molapo
LDF…………………….(0) 2
Mphatlalatsane……..(0) 1
MASERU – LDF snatched victory from the jaws of defeat yesterday after two late goals saw them come from behind to overcome Mphatlalatsane 2-1 at Ratjomose.
Played in searing heat, the match itself only heated up in the final 12 minutes when Mphatlalatsane looked to have won the game with a 78th minute goal, only for LDF to miraculously hit back with two goals in two minutes to lift the army side to second place in the Vodacom Premier League.
Until then, the match had been so tight and lacking creativity a goal-less draw seemed the only possible outcome.
The army side did hit the woodwork twice, but Mphatlalatsane — with their defensive veterans Tsepo Hlojeng and Motlatsi Maseela in bullish form and keeper Tejane Tatiea outstanding — were looking comfortable.
LDF — lacking direction and motivation — seemed to be suffering from a hangover of their 0-2 league defeat to Lioli last week.
Apart from Malefetsane Pheko’s 26th minute effort — following up after a Tatiea save, which hit the post and Mojela Letsie’s header onto the crossbar in the 50th minute — LDF produced nothing to give the visitors’ coach, Khetang Ntsoerent any headache.
It wasn’t until the 54th minute, when LDF coach Kolisang Seutloali brought on Lefa Khooa and Mafoafoa Lephoto, that Sohle-Sohle looked a Top Four side.
Nevertheless, it was Mphatlalatsane who took the lead 78 minutes into the game when Raselemane out-jumped the defence to head-in a corner at the far post.
The warning signs had been there for LDF ? seven minutes earlier, referee Daniel Letsie controversially overturned his decision to award Mphatlalatsane a penalty after a melee in the box.
But as they say, a team is most vulnerable after scoring and Mphatlalatsane fell asleep after the opener and allowed Letsie to fire in at Tatiea’s near-post in the 81st minute.
Smelling blood, LDF pressed forward and, two minutes later, rampaging right-back Janfeke Molibeli crossed for an unmarked super-sub Lephoto to shoot the soldiers to three points.
Elsewhere, LMPS missed out on the chance to go to the top of the Premiership after being held 0-0 at Old Europa by Swallows. There was another goalless draw in Sebothoane, where Joy and Lerotholi both fired blanks.
Yesterday’s results: Joy 0-0 Lerotholi; LMPS 0-0 Swallows; LDF 2-1 Mphatlalatsane
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