Lioli held by Majantja
Moorosi Tsiane
ROOKIES, Majantja, held former champions Lioli to a goalless stalemate in an Econet Premier League match played at LCS Ground yesterday.
The point enabled Lioli to leapfrog Bantu into top spot but the defending champions could return to the summit if they win or draw against Linare this afternoon.
Majantja started like a house on fire and were not intimidated by Lioli.
They almost found the opener on 17 minutes but forward Joseph Thike headed straight to goalkeeper, Liteboho Mokhlehe, off a cross from Selialia Mohapi.
The visitors continued to control proceedings with Keketso Tlhaba outstanding in midfield.
Khotso Mosenene was also a threat to the Lioli backline with his long range efforts.
Lioli slowly got into the match but they found an unyielding Majantja defence which was well-marshalled by Liteboho Nkune.
Majantja could have taken the lead a minute before half-time but Relebohile Lefoka narrowly missed the target from Seana Matlapeng’s corner.
The Motlatsi Shale-coached outfit continued to dominate possession and create numerous scoring chances but they were let down by striker Snyder who was very wasteful.
Late substitute Mohapi could have stolen three points for Majantja but he was unlucky to see his header hit the upright in the 90th minute.
In a post-match interview, Shale heaped praises on his charges for showing character.
“It is very unfortunate that we didn’t score but I am happy because my players managed to stick to our game-plan and we created chances but we will take the draw and build on it going into our next match,” Shale said.
“It is also important that we are not losing matches as the target is to avoid relegation when the season ends,” he added.
For his part, Lioli coach, Halemakale Mahlaha, was not impressed with the result and said his side would go back to the drawing board.
“We missed some of our regular players and I think that affected us as we struggled.
“It is not a good result but we will have to sit down and see how to help our players recover and focus on our next fixture,” Mahlaha said.
In the first match of the double header at LCS Ground, Kick4Life played out a goalless stalemate with LCS.
In another double header played at Ratjomose Ground, LDF beat Sefotha-fotha 1-0 to register their second win of the season, while Matlama and Likhopo played out to a goalless draw.
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