A 1-0 defeat against the Econet Premier league log leaders Matlama by Bantu on Saturday at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru did not only shutter Matlama’s hopes but opened an opportunity for any team in the top four to see their chances of winning the league. Bantu’s win was crucial and vital as they have to catch up on the league after being occupied by their participation in the Confederations of African Football (CAF) competitions. The win had by Saturday put them position three on 35 points. Both had 18 matches. LCS was on position two on 40 points after 18 matches.

Despite the expectations that LCS would change the log after playing on Wednesday. They lost to Sefothafotha and remained with 40 points, which means the log has not change at the top four positions. Back to the Setsoto Stadium, the much-anticipated match between the two football giants lived up the expectations as both teams attacked with a lot of enthusiasm and determination throughout the 90 minutes. Bantu’s coach James Madidilane looked more determined than his opposite number, Thabile Secker when he pulled of the middle-fielder Tumelo Maine and put in the striker Lazola Jokojokwane in the first half. His mission, as he alluded to Metro in the post-match interview, was to put pressure on the opponents’ defense in order for the to break and open up for his troops to get a goal.

His plan seemed to have worked as Matlama’s central defense partnership of Lisema Lekokollane and young Rethabile Mokokoane showed the cracking signs, especially in the second half. The opportunistic Bantu’s trebling wizard Litsépe Marabe slotted a shot into the net – exactly 17 minutes to last whistle - receiving standing ovation spectators. Matlama tried everything in their power but never came back until the match ended 1-0. After the game, Madidilane told Metro how vital the three points were: “We came to the match as the under-dogs and that helped us to play with ease and less pressure. The win is important as it brought us back to the title contest.”