Likhopo Blow Title Race Wide Open

Likhopo……………..(0) 1  Mokoena Moahloli (89min, own goal)

LDF…………………(0) 0

Likhopo blew the Lesotho Premier League title race wide open with a last-gasp 1-0 win over league leaders LDF at the Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena this evening.

Likhopo’s winner came from an unlikely source – LDF defender Mokoena Moahloli slicing Tšeliso Sejake’s dangerous cross into his own net one minute from time. Sohle-Sohle didn’t have enough time to respond and extend their lead at the top of the Vodacom Premier League.

Instead those with LCS and Bantu inclinations will be smiling wide this evening. LDF are still top, but they still have 48 points now after 23 games played. LCS are second with 45 points but have a game in hand while third-placed Bantu, also with 45 points but after 23 matches, will be relieved that Sohle-Sohle’s gap hasn’t been extended further.

LDF, who have regularly set the standards for consistency in Lesotho football, had the better chances throughout this evening’s game even if it was Likhopo who played the superior football. The best of the army side’s chances came a minute before the interval when captain Lengana Nkhethoa ballooned a penalty over the bar after Bongata Kori was adjudged to have been fouled.

26 minutes into the second half Mojela Letsie then had his shot miraculously blocked on the line by Likhopo defender Nyakhane Nyakhane.

LDF continued to huff and puff but could not conjure the magic to blow Likhopo’s house down. Likhopo with their quick, skilful one touch football orchestrated by Sejake had fleeting moments of danger too but their threat was amplified by the introduction of Thapelo Tale deep into the second half. With his pace Likhopo had a more penetrative option and suddenly Sohle-Sohle’s defence was being slightly stretched and forced to chase.

The Tale effect came to full fruition a minute from time. Sejake picked up the ball on the right touchline, ran at the defence, crossed and Moahloli, stretching to clear the danger from an on-rushing Tale, could only poke the ball past his keeper Relebohile Qejoa.

The army side next play Linare in Hlotse on Sunday. But that’s not the only must-see game this weekend; Bantu host Matlama in Mafeteng on Saturday while LCS welcome LMPS to the Central Prison on Sunday.

The title race is still wide open.

Man of the match: Tšeliso Sejake (Likhopo)