Africa-Press – Lesotho. Lesotho’s national Under-17 team lost 2-0 to Zambia in their opening game of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games at Setsoto Stadium yesterday.
Zambian youngster Joseph Banda was by far the best player on the pitch and he bagged a brace to help Zambia kick off the tournament with a resounding victory in the Group A encounter.
Bahlabani struggled from the first minute with Banda, who captained Zambia, the obvious thorn in Lesotho’s defence. While there were no clear-cut chances, Zambia came close to opening the scoring several times in the early stages.
When Banda eventually scored, the writing was on the wall for Bahlabani. Perhaps, it should not come as a surprise that the youngster was head and shoulders above every player on the pitch.
In 2020 he was called up to the Zambian senior team and in 2019 was one of the best players at the Under-17 COSAFA Junior Championship. Kabelo Ngatane, who was wearing the armband for Lesotho, was tasked with marking Banda and he could not get close.
The first half presented next to nothing in terms of chances for Bahlabani striker Kefiloe Nqoko who probably had the least number of touches on the field.
He was sandwiched between two big defenders and they won every ball that came to him. It was difficult for Bahlabani to get out of their own half and most of the time were on the back-foot.
Lesotho just kicked long balls to Nqoko and expected him to chase every ball. It looked like a graveyard shift for the young striker. The second half was no different as Zambia cruised comfortably throughout.
They dominated every aspect of the game and the final scoreline was not a true reflection of the game. Bahlabani goalkeeper Katiso Tsoamotse kept the score respectable with two fine saves, one in the first half and one in the second half.
Bahlabani’s defeat came just hours after Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) lashed out at the sports ministry saying the team hadn’t received their playing kit or their camping allowance.
Indeed, Bahlabani were playing with LEFA’s kit made by Umbro. The next game for Motolo Makepe’s charges will be against Eswatini on Sunday and they will be looking to bounce back and register their first victory.
Lesotho starting line-up:
Katiso Tsoamotse, Kabelo Ngatane, Limpho Ralesupi, Majara Mohale, Lehlohonolo Leemisa, Sechaba Mohapi, Paseka Maile, Rorisang Malefane, Kefiloe Nqoko, Ndlovu Thandazo, Seabata Tsimane. Subs :
Leluma Mofoka, Mathole Shale, Retšepile Thakamphana, Kopano Tsiame, Raliengoane Ramabanta.
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