Matlama……………………(1) 1
Mpharane Celtics……….(0) 0
MASERU — Matlama on Saturday broke Mpharane Celtics’ five-match unbeaten record when they defeated them 1-0 at Pitso Ground.
Although most of the first half was dull with both teams struggling to settle, it was Matlama who drew first blood.
Tse Putsoa, Lesotho’s most decorated club side with 10 league titles to their name, found the back of the net in the 42nd minute.
The solitary goal came through Jane Thabantšo who headed the ball into the net to inject some life into the game.
Matlama could have gone two up had referee Seeiso Sekhonyana not denied them what looked like a legitimate goal five minutes into the second half.
Mpharane Celtics also had their moments as they unsettled their opponents in the second half.
Matlama goalkeeper Shokhoe Matsoai was forced to make two brilliant saves in the 56 and 58th minutes respectively when Letsabo Mokiri and Mohlouoa Soulo came close to scoring.
The visitors were at it again in the 65th minute but Matsoai once again denied them an equaliser.
Matlama then turned on the power and started coming back into the game.
However, all their efforts failed to result in another goal.
Matlama coach Mokoena Mohale told the Lesotho Times his team could have done better.
“It was a simple and easy game but we didn’t anticipate their plan,” Mohale said.
“We had a lot of space and a good game but failed to convert our many scoring opportunities.”
He added that his team needed to score more goals if they are to challenge for the league title this season.
“My intentions were to score three to four goals but we did not come to the party and utilise our chances.
“A league is a horse race competition which is determined by the number of wins and scores and if we want to be winners at the end of the league, we must start scoring more goals,” Mohale said.
Mpharane Celtics coach Freeze Ntene was however a happy man despite losing to Matlama.
“We’ve lost with dignity because they did not just ride on us, it was a two-sided game and this is our first loss after five games,” Ntene said.
He said he was working hard to prepare Mpharane Celtics for next season.
“It was just unfortunate that we lost but we are genuinely preparing this team for next season,” he said.
Weekend results: Lesotho Defence Force 2-1 Joy, Maduma 1-2 Bantu, Lioli 2:0 Linare, Lesotho Mounted Police Service 0-0 Likhopo and Matlama 1-0 Mpharane Celtics
