The Vodacom Premier League (VPL) title race is heating up as Lioli FC and Matlama FC continue to battle for top honours dramatically.
Yesterday, the two title rivals delivered a pulsating 3-3 draw at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena in a catch-up fixture that underlined just how fine the margins are at the summit of the table.
The draw means Lioli remain top with 58 points, just two ahead of second-placed Matlama on 56, with only a handful of games left in the season. With both sides refusing to give an inch, the championship looks set to go down to the wire.
The match itself was a showcase of attacking football and resilience. Matlama took early control, racing to a 3-0 lead within the first 20 minutes through goals from Charlie Hlalele, Jane Thabantšo, and Lazola Jokojokwana.
But Lioli clawed their way back into the contest, with Teboho Masuoane and Sihle Maso reducing the deficit before halftime.
In the second half, it was again Maso who found the net in the 70th minute, levelling the score at 3-3 and keeping Lioli’s title hopes alive. Despite creating late chances, the Teyateyaneng outfit could not find a winner, and both teams had to settle for a point.
The match came just days after Lioli leapfrogged Matlama at the top of the table. Matlama’s loss over the weekend, coupled with Lioli’s victory, gave the Teyateyaneng side a slender lead, one they are now clinging to with determination.
Lioli’s head coach Motheo Mohapi credited his team’s comeback to tactical discipline and mental composure under pressure.
“I told my players to be patient with the ball but also have a sense of urgency when going forward because time was not on our side. Also because Matlama’s defense was very slow and they would not be able to defend our counterattack if we piled more pressure,” Mohapi said.
He explained that the third goal came from a rehearsed move they have successfully used against other top teams.
Mohapi also addressed the two disallowed goals, saying the referee’s decisions must be respected despite their impact.
“They saw those two goals in their own way so they have the final word… We need them to have a freedom to be able to officiate our matches freely without intimidation,” he added.
Matlama’s head coach Halemakale Mahlaha was unavailable for comment after the final whistle, but his side will be ruing the missed opportunity to reclaim top spot.
With just a few games remaining, the battle for the VPL crown is set to intensify. Every point will count as Lioli aim to stay ahead, while Matlama push to reclaim their throne.
Other catch-up results from yesterday’s games are as follows:
- LMPS FC 1–2 Bantu FC
- Liphakoe FC 0–0 Manonyane FC
- Mzamane FC 0–0 ACE Maseru FC
- Machokha FC 0–1 Majantja FC
- LU FC 1–4 LDF FC
- LCS FC 0–0 Linare FC
- Lijabatho FC 2–0 Lifofane FC
Weekend Fixtures – Sunday, May 4:
- Ratjomose Ground: LU FC vs. Liphakoe FC (13:00), LDF FC vs. ACE Maseru FC (15:30)
- LAC Ground: Linare FC vs. Lioli FC
- Nyakosoba Ground: Manonyane FC vs. Mzamane FC
- DiFA Mohale’s Hoek: Bantu FC vs. Majantja FC
- Bambatha Tšita: LCS FC vs. Matlama FC
- Morija Ground: Lijabatho FC vs. LMPS FC
- Botha-Bothe Ground: Lifofane FC vs. Machokha FC
Other matches kick off at 15:00 unless stated otherwise.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports.
Started working at Newsday in 2021.
has an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media.
