Likuena edge Malawi in tense battle

As VAR confirms Ntaitsane strike

SEBONGILE MATHE

MASERU – Senior football national team, Likuena, emerged victorious from a fiercely contested battle against the Malawian Flames, securing a crucial 1-0 win in their Group B fixture at the Mangaung Toyota Stadium in South Africa on yesterday.

The match proved to be a demanding test of endurance and tactical discipline for both sides.

The opening 45 minutes were a testament to resolute defending, with clear-cut chances scarce. Despite committed efforts from both teams, the deadlock remained unbroken heading into halftime.

The second half opened up slightly, though not without its share of physicality and disciplinary interventions. Likuena’s Tumelo Makha and Kananelo Rapuleng both received yellow cards, reflecting the intensity of the contest. As substitutions were made, Lesotho maintained pressure in search of the breakthrough.
The decisive moment arrived when Makara Ntaitsane found the back of the net, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Likuena contingent. However, the initial joy was tempered as the assistant referee raised the offside flag.

After a tense Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the goal was confirmed, handing Likuena the vital 1-0 lead.

Likuena coach, Leslie Notši, acknowledged the challenging nature of the match in his post-match interview. “The game went as expected, it was a tough encounter,” Notši stated.

“I am happy with how the boys responded. We started the match well, but we still have a long way to go. We learned a lot from this match and showed a good fighting spirit.”

Notši specifically highlighted the significant contribution of the team’s young players, noting that nine featured in the match. He expressed satisfaction with the overall performance and emphasized the importance of the three points secured against Malawi for their upcoming fixtures.

Likuena’s next challenge comes against Angola on June 8th, followed by their final Group B match against Namibia on June 10. This hard-earned victory provides a vital platform for their continued campaign.