By: Pule Rantseli
Lioli football club defeated Lesotho Correctional Service FC 1-0 and grabbed 2018 Alliance Winter Challenge on Sunday last week.
The Cameroon trailer Stephan Heyong hit the net to give Lioli “Tse Nala” FC a win. He denied LCS FC to defend the trophy for the third consecutive time.
Heyong gave “Tse Nala” a lead in the 29th minute of the first half after in possession of the ball in front of their eighteen areas between the two central defenders who have been battling with poor defence throughout the match.
The mistakes were similar to their match against Matlama, where the sensational killer striker Motebang Sera would receive and fight for the ball in front of their eighteen area though he would miss clear chances.
It was Lioli’s first Alliance cup since its inception in the 2014/2015 season which was first won by Matlama FC then LCS FC in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons consecutively.
LCS FC had edged Matlama in the first semi-final at the Setsoto stadium on Saturday through a goal (1-0) by their second half substitute Thapelo Tale, while Lioli brutally harassed the premier league and tournament newcomers swallows FC with a 5-0 defeat in the second semi-final of the day.
Lioli FC out classed LCS with passes where they would pass each other in cramped spaces and fulfil the mission of such intended passes.
In the 24th minute of the second half, LCS FC had a chance to convert a free kick into a goal before a powerful shot by Ngobese hit the cross bar. LCS FC was exerting more pressure causing Lioli to commit more fouls in the critical areas, though they failed to convert.
“Tse Nala” however squandered a golden chance to send the match into a definite win when their substitute striker missed a last-minute header from a cross made by Hopolang ‘Tsanana’ Molefi.
There was still time for late drama when Lioli FC defender Tšeliso Ramathe brought down LCS FC youngster winger Thetso Phushuli near the area yielding a futile free kick. The match endured controversial tackles though Lioli FC emerged victorious.
Just like the losers final match of the young Matlama FC reserve side with a blend of their senior players in the likes of Michael Mireku, Mohai Mohai and Kefuoe Mahula in the centre against Swallows who suffered 2-0 at the striking shot of Mahula and veteran Striker Lehlomela Ramabele, Lioli FC also fielded a new team against LCS FC.
Lioli FC snatched the gold medal, trophy and for the first time in the tournament with price money worth M15, 000.00. LCS FC got silver with price money of M10, 000.00,
Matlama FC settled for bronze at third position. Lioli players accrued most of the individual awards with Lekhanya Lekhanya being a top goal scorer with two goals and an award for M1, 000.00.
Tšoanelo Koetle of “Tse Nala” got M1, 000.00 as middle fielder of the tournament. Goalkeeper of the tournament being Paseka Khang of Lioli FC and Retšelisitsoe Moepi being player of the tournament.
LCS FC defender Poloko Mohale became the defender of the tournament.
Lesotho Sports Blizz 