Chris Theko
Leading Vodacom Premier League (VPL) side Matlama were held to a 1-all draw by prisons side Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) on Saturday LCS ground.
Although the draw did no harm to the log-leaders standings on the VPL table, as ‘Tse Putsoa’ only need just six points to win the Championship, it did however, drop the home team a position lower to third spot 48 points. As a result, defending champions Bantu returned to second place after thumping Manonyane 6-0 on Saturday.
Matlama wanted to dominate possession and were the first to pose a shot at goal. Makume Theletsane was at hand to test LCS goalkeeper, Tankiso Chaba who was up for the task.
Diutlwileng Boikanyo had a chance 10 minutes later to put LCS in the front but his attempt from inside the box went wide. LCS had another clear chance at 25 minutes, but Thetso Phosholi failed to put in Khethisa Masenyetse’s cross.
LCS waited until the 30th minute to take lead courtesy of a header by Keketso Snyders after a corner by Boikanyo.
Defender, Rethabile Mokokoana was red carded following a dangerous tackle on Snyders four minutes before half time thus reducing Matlama to a man down.
LCS’ lead was short leaved as Lerotholi Zwane leveled matters scoring directly from a corner kick. LCS goalkeeper Chaba failed to carry the ball over the crossbar and the game went to the break with the two sides on level matters.
Matlama looked the better side in the second half but was struggling to score while LCS were now under pressure which led to Coach Shalane Lehohla bringing in Thabo Seakhoa for Boikanyo and Hlomelang Lebina for Refiloe Mothae.
On the other hand, Matlama rested Zwane and introduced Moteloa Khemisi.
Lebina made an instant impact setting up Snyders but the latter squandered a goal scoring opportunity to put LCS ahead in the 74th minute.
Four minutes later, LCS refreshed its attack by bringing in the current VPL top goal scorer, Makara Ntaitsane for Tumelo Ngatane which showed their intent to put the match to bed with a win.
However, both sides failed to score any more goals and it ended with 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile in other news, Swallows are now out of the relegation zone after their 2-0 win over CCX. The Mazenod side now sits in 14th position while Likhopo dropped to 15th following their 1-2 loss to Lifofane. Kick4Life were held to their 10th draw this season in a goalless stalemate with Lijabatho while Lioli lost 1-2 to Linare.
LMPS edged Liphakoe 1-0 while LDF beat Sefotha-fotha 2-1.
