LMPS, LDF advance to LNIG Top8

Leemisa Thuseho

LMPS and LDF advanced to the semifinals of the Lesotho National Insurance Group (LNIG) Top8 yesterday afternoon.

The police side was the first to book a spot after a goalless draw with Matlama at Setsoto Stadium having edged the Sea-Point side in the first leg of the tournament last week.

LMPS will know their semifinal opponents today after the Liphakoe vs LCS semifinal at Maputsoe DIFA Ground.

LMPS interim coach Itumeleng Galoboe said after the first leg, they found it easy to plan for yesterday’s game.

“We came with an attacking mentality and remained disciplined at the back,” Galoboe said.

“Our plan was to block them from scoring since we knew that if they did, then it would affect our game plan.”

On the other hand, Matlama coach Charles Manda said his side played well but LMPS were smart enough to keep a clean sheet.

“Although we played well, we created few chances. LMPS ‘parked the bus’ and prevented us from penetrating. We struggled to unlock their defence,” Manda said.

Jane Thabantšo, who missed the first leg played yesterday and Manda says LMPS did themselves a favour by marking him out.

“They knew we were putting our hopes on Thabantšo and they marked him.”

In the second quarterfinal at the same venue, the defending champions, LDF, edged Lioli for their ticket to the semis. The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg.

Mojela Letsie headed LDF into the semifinals on 32 minutes. Lioli failed to respond and LDF progressed on a 2-1 aggregate.

LDF will know their next opponent after the Bantu vs Kick4Life tie in Maputsoe this afternoon.

LDF coach Motheo Mohapi said after the 1-1 draw in the first leg, he was confident that they would qualify since some of his regular players were back from injury.

“We didn’t have some of our players in the first leg but I knew we would qualify once they returned.

“We still missed some today (yesterday) but going forward, if have the full squad is available, we are confident that we will defend the cup,” Mohapi said.

Lioli coach Morena Ramoreboli was unhappy with the loss. He said they did everything well to win the game but lacked luck.

“I am sad that we are we out of this tournament because my boys displayed a good fighting spirit and we were positive that we would go beyond the quarter finals.

“I am not happy that we out of this tournament because this was the only cup left for us to win and make our supporters happy.

“If it’s not your day in football, then you do not get positive results because luck plays a major role,” Ramoreboli said.