Lioli… (0) 2
LCS…0
Mikia Kalati
A second half brace by Montoeli Sonopo handed Lioli a 2-0 win over LCS in a pulsating Vodacom Premier League match played at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena yesterday.
The speedy attacking midfielder broke the deadlock in the 80th minute with a beautifully curled strike that beat LCS substitute goalkeeper, Sam Ketsekile, who had just replaced the injured Daniel Jouse.
Sonopo bagged his second of the day a few minutes later from the penalty spot to hand his team maximum points which moved them to the top of the 14-team Vodacom Premier League table.
Tse Nala had looked the better side from the opening minutes of the match and were presented with a chance to score an early goal after Tšepo George handled the ball in the penalty box, with referee Mohau Sentšo rightly pointing to the spot.
Tšepo Seturumane, captaining Lioli on the day, stepped-up to the challenge, but his spot-kick was saved by the brilliant Jouse, who had made crucial saves to keep Masheshena in the game.
Before the match, Lioli were in third position on 22 points, but yesterday’s win saw them leapfrog both second-placed LDF and Bantu, who were on 24 points.
The Teyateyaneng-based outfit now lead the league table with 25 points heading to the weekend’s matches.
Lioli utility player, Jerry Kamele, who was forced out of the match due to injury, said his club deserved the three points.
“The injury looks bad, but I will see what the doctors have to say after the scan. Otherwise we are happy with the three points because our aim is to win the league title,” said the national team playmaker.
