Mikia Kalati
LDF and Lioli played to a goalless draw in a Vodacom Premier League match played at Ratjomose Barracks yesterday.
Tse Nala went into the tie top of the league table and appeared destined for an early goal with attacking midfielder Tumelo Khutlang a thorn for the LDF defence.
Khutlang’s exploits early in the match nearly earned LDF defender, Tšolo Mokapane, a red card as the left-back struggled to deal with his pace and trickery.
Veteran midfielder Motlalepula Mofolo was also enjoying himself and was in the thick of things as Lioli piled pressure on LDF in search of goals.
However, the experience of Molefe Lekoekoe played a massive role for LDF as he was able to slow the pace of the game to help his team get back into the game.
Tse Nala managed to come back strongly as the match approached the halftime break and were unlucky not to break the deadlock in the 35th minute as a good strike from range by Koetle hit the upright.
The match headed to the halftime break goalless with Lioli still the better side.
The second half failed to create as many clear goal-scoring chances and it was not a surprise when Lioli coach Mosholu ‘Shoes’ Mokhothu made changes, bringing in two attacking players, namely Lekhanya Lekhanya for Jerry Kamele and Bafokeng Mosala for Obakeng Modirwa shortly after.
However, the changes did not work out for Lioli as their attacking players continued to waste more goal-scoring chances.
LDF also made changes, introducing Morapeli Talasi and taking off Tšeliso Phera.
Meanwhile, yesterday’s goalless draw between the two teams did not change their positions on the table as Lioli remain top with 34 points while LDF are still in 7th position.
