Bahlabani go down to Angola in COSAFA opener
Lesotho national boys U-17 side, Bahlabani suffered a 1-2 defeat to Angola in their opening Group A match played at AW Muller Stadium at the University of Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Angola drew first blood through Eliseu Franscisco in the 31st minute as he pounced on a ball just outside the box to punish Lesotho for failing to clear their lines.
Lesotho coach Sidwell Mothea summoned Talent Development Scheme graduate Skosana Manamathela from the bench as they looked to level matters before the half-time break.
Both teams had good chances to get on the scoresheet before the match headed for the interval but were both wasteful in front of goal.
The action resumed in the second half with attacking football from both sides, bout could not get it right in the final third as Lesotho looked to get an equalizing goal while Angola wanted to extend their lead.
The second goal of the match finally came in the 78th minute as lanky forward, Dansel Liyum outjumped Lesotho defenders to head home Angola’s second of the game.
Bahlabani managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute through Rethabile Nqoko, which rejuvenated Lesotho’s effort to get at least a draw from the match.
However, that proved to be too little, too late for Bahlabani as Angola managed to defend their slight lead to win the match 2-1.
