By Teboho Molapo
LDF………………….(2) 2
LCS………………….(1) 1
Maseru — Revenge, they say, is a dish best served cold.
This was the menu LDF served LCS as the army side overcame the champions 2-1 at their Ratjomose play-field yesterday in front of a decent crowd.
The win went some way to sooth the pain for LDF after they came second to Masheshena on goal difference in last season’s title race.
It was probably the worst possible start for Masheshena to the defence of their Vodacom Premier League title.
Yesterday’s win was a huge confidence boost for Sohle-Sohle who proved once again they will be top contenders for the title this season.
“The biggest thing we take out of the match is the confidence of claiming the victory. That will help us in our next games,” LDF coach Motheo Mohapi said after his side’s hard-fought win.
“This is our first match and we are satisfied,” he said.
LDF’s main attributes were on show at Ratjomose as they imposed their direct game on LCS early in the first half.
The hosts’ intention was shown early on when Mojela Letsie reminded the Likuena technical staff of his usefulness.
The battering ram striker was influential throughout but it was his strike partner on the day, Mokoenanyane Moahloli, who broke the deadlock in the 19th minute after the enthusiastic debutant Tšepiso Letuma was fouled in the box.
Seven minutes later it was 2-0 and again it was Moahloli, grabbing his chance to start, who pierced the back of Masheshena’s net when he scrambled home after his initial header was saved by Kholuoe Phasumane.
LCS’ response was swift in what was a surprisingly loose encounter.
Thabane Rankara then pulled one back when he nodded Ralekoti Mokhahlane’s strike into the net in the 38th minute
Letuma was given a straight red card in the 41st minute for a rash tackle from behind.
The dismissal meant the second half was less frenetic, with LDF more intent to absorb pressure, which they did.
The game changed again in the 68th minute when LCS’ Tšeliso Khali was sent off for dissent just as he was about to be substituted.
Masheshena thought they had snatched an equaliser in the 84th minute but Rankara’s strike was ruled offside, and then to compound their day Rankara flashed his shot over the bar from metres out just three minutes before time.
LDF didn’t mind at all.
They are off to a perfect start in this season’s Vodacom Premier League.
In other matches played in Hlotse Linare beat Majantja 1-0 while Joy edged Maduma 2-0 at TSL ground.
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