Leemisa Thuseho
LDF Ladies’ chances of reaching the COSAFA Women’s Champions’ League semifinals have thinned after the side drew one-all with Manzini Wanderers at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban yesterday.
The two sides went into the game needing either a win or at least a draw to keep their hopes of going further in the tournament alive after respective poor stats to the tournament.
LDF were thumped 6-0 by tournament favourites, Mamelodi Sundowns, on Thursday while Manzini Wanderers lost 0-3 to Botswana’s Double Actions.
The Lesotho side is at the bottom of the four-team table with one point after a loss and a draw while Manzini Wanderers are second from the bottom one point after a loss and a draw.
Mamelodi Sundowns are first with six points while Double Action are second with three points.
For LDF to advance to the semifinals, they must win their last game against Double Action tomorrow. Manzini Wanderers must also lose to Mamelodi Sundowns in the last game.
Yesterday, LDF went one up in just three minutes after Kholu Lebakeng scored from just out the box. The eSwatini champions took control of the situation afterwards but still failed to level the matters in the first half.
After the break, Manzini Wanderers continued dominating the game and came close on 55 minutes but Nonvula Zanga squandered a one-on-one chance but her effort went wide.
LDF also had chance double their lead on 63 minutes but Phuzile Molefe’s slow move was read by Manzini Wanderers keeper, Dolly Khoza, who cleared the ball.
Manzini Wanderers hung on and their persistence finally paid-off in the dying minutes with Zanga finding the equaliser with just a minute left before the final whistle.
LDF coach, Lengana Nkhethoa said he was happy with her players’ performance and was hopeful that they will take the same spirit into the next game.
“It happens in football that some games are tough and we have talked to the players to remain focused and avoid mistakes but unfortunately, we conceded in the last minute,” Nkhethoa said.
“We wanted three points knowing that would keep us in the competition but it is not yet over. I am happy with my players because they played according to the plan.”
Nkhethoa is hopeful that they will perform well in their next game.
“It is not yet over. After losing 6-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns, I think today’s (yesterday’s) results has restored my players’ confidence and they will perform even better in the next game,” Nkhethoa added.