Leemisa Thuseho
LCS beat Liphakoe 3-1 to record their second win in the Vodacom Premier League 2020/20 season at LCS ground yesterday.
The side started the season in style thumping Sefotha-fotha 4-0 last Saturday while Liphakoe also suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to league newbies, Manonyane on the same day.
Yesterday’ clash saw Liphakoe coach Mpitsa Marai facing his former club for the first time after leaving the team in October this year. LCS’ win on the other hand saw Marai losing to his former assistant coach, Shalane Lehohla.
Liphakoe were the first to pose a threat to their opponents as former LCS striker Thapelo Tale found the woodwork with his first attempt three minutes into the game.
LCS started the match in dominant fashion and in the 10th minute, they were close but Keketso Snyders fired over the crossbar. The side almost grabbed the lead again in the 15th minute via Mkara Ntaitsane but the attempt was ruled off side.
While both sides were struggling to find the back of the net, Marai refreshed his attacking force by introducing Neo Sk’hosana for Tšepang Makapa in the first half but the sides still went for the break without scores.
Soon after the break, LCS introduced James Mothotjela for Lehlohonolo Lenka.
Liphakoe broke the deadlock in the 50th minute via substitute Skh’osana from a Tale assist. However, the lead did not last long as LCS were awarded a penalty in the 55th minute and Ntaitsane levelled matters from the spot.
The correctional service side made its second change in the 57th minute with Lehlohonolo Moabi making way for Khali Sebata, who was making his first appearance in LCS colours.
Snyders doubled the lead on 59 minutes before Refiloe Mothae’s left footed effort placed at the far post sealed Liphakoe’s fate from distance leaving goalkeeper Tšilo Tšilo for dead.
Liphakoe responded with a double substitution which saw Rethabile Letseka replacing Thabiso Rasekoai while Tšeliso Ramafikeng came in for Napo Makhomo.
LCS’ last substitution in the 78th minute saw Khethisa Masenyetse replacing Ntaitsane.
In the 88th minute LCS were reduced to 10-men after defender Thabang Malane was red carded for his involvement in a scuffle where players almost came to blows. The melee was after Malane was brought down with a nasty tackle by Liphakoe’s newly singed defender, Tuntu Moroahae.
The LCS vs Liphakoe clash was preceded by an encounter between Likhopo and Kick4Life. Kick4lIfe recorded their first win of the season edging their opponents 0-1.
In other games yesterday, LMPS beat Swallows 4-0 while LDF edged Linare 1-0.
Today, Bantu welcome Lifofane at Setsoto Stadium. CCX travels to Teyateyaneng to face Lioli while Lijabatho hosts Sefotha-fotha at LCS Ground. Matlama takes a trip to Nyakosoba to face Manonyane.
