Likhopo, Linare share spoils

…as Bantu hammer Highlanders 8-0

Moorosi Tsiane

Ten-man Likhopo held Linare to a one-all draw in the first leg of the LNIG Top8 quarterfinal match played at LCS Ground yesterday.

Midfielder Tumelo Ngatane found the opener for Linare in the 6^th minute before his Likhopo counterpart Bokang Mothoana levelled matters from the spot two minutes before half time.

The match started at a frantic pace on a scorching afternoon, but the heat never seemed to bother the players who were full of running throughout the match.

After Ngatane’s opener from Lebajoa Mosehlenyane’s cross, the two teams matched each other punch for punch—much to the delight of the fans.

Likhopo made an early substitution on the half-hour mark in search of an equaliser when forward Chaka Maile made way for Thapelo Tale.

However, Linare were denied the chance to extend their lead when defender Nyakhane Nyakhane cleared Peter Matekane’s header off the line in the 38^th minute.

But Tale’s introduction seemed to work for the Red Army, as his mazy runs continued to trouble the Linare defence.

Likhopo’s pressure finally paid off when Tale was fouled inside the penalty area by Katleho Lebabo and midfielder Mothoana scored the resultant spot-kick.

After the break, Likhopo came back the stronger of the two sides but the match still ended 1-1.

In the other Top8 quarterfinal first-leg matches played yesterday, Litšepe Marabe and Lazola Tjokotjokoane scored a brace each with Hlompho Kalake, Mosiuoa Boseeka and Hopolang Mohlalefi also finding the back of the net and Thato Mabitle scoring an own goal as Bantu hammered Qoaling Highlanders 8-0 in Mafeteng.

Meanwhile, the reverse fixtures are set for 14 February.