Mikia Kalati
MASERU — A Litšepe Marabe second half penalty handed Bantu a narrow 1-0 win over league champions LCS in an exciting clash at the Lesotho Correctional Service ground yesterday. Marabe slotted in the penalty early in the second half after LCS captain, Moitheri Ntobo, had fouled lanky striker Dlomo Monaphathi. Both teams started off on a high note of attacking football with Bantu goalkeeper Daniel Jousse the busiest of the two goal-minders. LCS midfielder maestro, Ralekoti Mokhahlane, had a good first half enjoying better possession and seemed to be winning the battle in the middle of the park.
He along with striker Lawrence Molengoana seemed to be a threat every time they were in attack, but the Bantu defence marshalled by skipper Tlali Maile stood firm. The match went to the half-time break with no goals despite both teams having had good goal scoring chances. The second half started at a high tempo as both teams searched for the opening goal. Veteran midfielder, Kutlisiso Nthonyana, was presented with a good chance to put his side ahead, but failed to put the ball in the back of the net. Shortly afterwards Bantu went into the lead as Marabe coolly slotted in past LCS goalkeeper, Sam Ketsekile, for the only goal of the match. The defending champions’ hopes of winning the match were extinguished by an injury to star striker, Lawrence Molengoana, who was replaced by Thabane Rankara.
However, Rankara failed to make an impact and his teammate Thulo Ranchobe blew a good scoring opportunity in the 70th minute.
Bantu captain, Tlali Maile, who was limping in the last 20 minutes of the game, praised his team for their hard work. “Our aim, as I said before is to win the league and we remain on course to add the second league trophy to our trophy cabinet,” Maile said. The win lifted Bantu to the top of the table with 19 points alongside Lioli who beat Joy in a match played in Hlotse on the same day. Meanwhile, LDF registered a 2-0 win over former league champions Likhopo who seem to be struggling at the moment. Yesterday league results:
Mpharane Cletic 2-2 Nyenye
LDF 2-0 Likhopo
LCS 0-1Bantu
Joy 0-2 Lioli