LCS have Champions League mountain to climb

Augustine Nsumba celebrates

URA………...(1) 3

LCS…………(0) 0

Lesotho champions Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) have a mountain to climb if they are to make it to the next round of the 2012 Caf Champions League after they were soundly beaten 3-0 by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in the first leg of their preliminary tie yesterday in Kampala.

Masheshena – five-times Lesotho champions – now have to score at least three goals, without conceding, in the return to have any chance of progressing to the first round proper of Champions League qualifying.

That return leg will be played at the Setsoto Stadium in two week’s time.

URA’s emphatic win at Namboole was sealed thanks to a first half strike by captain Manko Kaweesa and two after the break from Sula Bagala and Augustine Nsumba.

By in large it was a one-sided match, totally dominated by URA, under the watchful gaze of over 1 000 home fans.

Following an early onslaught, the hosts went ahead inside 12 minutes when Bagala danced past Moitheri Ntobo and his shot was only be parried by keeper Sam Ketsekile into the path of Kaweesa’s grateful feet.

The midfielder, just like he did against Zambia’s Zanaco in 2010, tapped in to score his second Champions League career goal and only URA’s second in their four-year competition history.

Provider then turned to scorer when Bagala beautifully struck on 55 minutes, his spectacular half-volley outside the 18-yard area beating Ketsekile in goal.

Vincent Kayizzi, who was also lively all game, then turned LCS skipper Khoto Sesinyi inside-out before invitingly crossing to Nsumba to head in the third and complete URA’s biggest ever win in the competition.

URA now need just a draw in the return leg in Maseru to progress to the first round.

If they do, it will be the first time URA progress to the Champions League first round after three previous failed attempts.

LCS for their part last took part in Africa’s premier club competition in 2008 when they were knocked out 4-0 on aggregate by South Africa’s Platinum Stars. A repeat unfortunately looks on the cards.

LCS squad: Kholuoe Phasumane, Samuel Ketsekile, Ralekoti Mokhahlane, Katleho Lethabela, Moitheri Ntobo, Khoto Sesinyi, Paseka Moroanyane, Lawrence Molengoane, Lieta Lehloka, Kutloisiso Nthonyane, Relebohile Raotsi, Thulo Ranchobe, Selebalo Moshoeshoe, Tšepo George, Motlatsi Rantja, Tšepo Rantaitsane, Thabane Rankara