Moorosi Tsiane
MATLAMA were on Sunday edged 1-0 by LMPS in the first leg of the LNIG Top8 quarterfinal at Maputsoe DIFA Ground.
Tšepo Seturumane’s set piece in the second half was enough to give Itumeleng ‘Metso’s charges the upper hand ahead of the return fixture set for Setsoto Stadium next weekend.
LMPS could have won the match 2-0 but Tse Putsoa goal minder Monaheng Ramalefane thwarted Seturumane’s spot kick after Stephen Essong’s reckless challenge on LMPS striker Monyatheli Ntobo.
Matlama, who are the 2018 champions, will have to double their efforts if at all they want to entertain any efforts of dislodging reigning champions LDF.
Having led early at the same venue on Sunday, LDF settled for a one-all draw with Lioli after Tšepo Toloane netted the equaliser from the spot. The referee awarded LDF a penalty after Koete Mohlaoi was fouled by Mafa Moremoholo in the box. Later on, Tumelo Makha easily tapped in Luciano Matsoso’s cross to level the matters and keep his side in the race when they go into the second leg next weekend.
The two teams have played each other thrice in the last three weeks. Each side has won one game apiece by a 4-1 score line.
On Saturday, Bantu, who seem to have made to their hobby to beat Kick4Life; thumped their usual victims 4-1 at Setsoto Stadium.
Tsietsi Khooa opened the scoring for Bantu before Lazola Jokojokwana netted a hat-trick to put them a step closer to the semifinals. Kick4Life’s consolation goal came from Teboho Lekhooa.
Bantu last won the Top8 challenge in 2015 under the tutelage of the late Motlatsi Shale and seem to be on the right path to clinch their first piece of silverware this year.
Kick4Life, on the other hand are still in search for their first ever cup since they were promoted into the premier league five years ago.
In the second match at Setsoto Stadium on Sunday, LCS and Liphakoe drew one-all after Makara Ntaitsane’s set-piece cancelled out Tšepang Makapa’s earlier header.
Liphakoe are also in search of their first cup since they were promoted into the elite league eight years ago. LCS, on the other hand, are hoping to end their eight-year trophy drought.
The winners of the Top8 tournament will walk home M100 000 richer.