MASERU — Arsenal suffered a potentially fatal blow in their bid to gain promotion to the Premier League when they were shocked 2-1 at home by Maseru Naughty Boys on Sunday.
The three-time winners of Lesotho’s top-flight league, who were relegated in 2008, were pipped to promotion by Bantu last season.
Sunday’s loss could bring about further heartbreak for Arsenal.
The Gunners have been demoted to second place in the Vodacom A-Division Southern Stream table because their rivals, Mabeoana, thumped Sefothafotha 4-1 in Matsieng also on Sunday.
Although both sides have 35 points, Mabeoana now top the log because of their superior goal difference with just two rounds of the championship remaining.
In the Northern Stream, Maduma maintained their fine form with a 2-1 win away at Berea LMPS.
The Butha-Buthe side now have 37 points.
Their only rivals for promotion, Mpharane Celtics, kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 home victory over Butha-Buthe Warriors although they remain three points behind Maduma.
The first division takes a break this weekend.
When it resumes on March 14, Maduma will host Mpharane Celtics in Khukhune in a match that could decide which of the two teams plays in the Premier League next season.
Meanwhile, Mafeteng LMPS have been awarded a 3-0 win over Sekamaneng Young Stars after Stars failed to honour their fixture last Saturday.
