Western Boys blow big lead but hold on for win
Western Boys raced to a commanding 4–0 lead in their ANLFA U19 clash at the Alex Safe Hub, but Love Reaching Community FC fought back with three late goals and a spirited second-half surge.
Despite a strong start to the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association (ANLFA) U19 fixture against Love Reaching Community (LRC) FC at the Alex Safe Hub on Saturday, Western Boys slowly began to give the game away.
They struggled to maintain their first-half intensity and to deny LRC scoring opportunities.
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Although coach Khathu Monyai expressed delight at the boys’ performance, he noted that the second half, which should have served to extend their lead, was marred by the concession of silly goals. “I think, in the second half, we were not clinical like we were in the first half. If we had been clinical, we would have scored more goals.”
In the first half, Western Boys’ Marweshi Molepo, Thifhelimbilu Tshikovhi, and Koketso Rapusoane gave their side an early advantage with goal after goal, capping off the first half with a 3–0 lead.
The opening minutes of the second half also looked promising for Western Boys, as Mazibuko Lesedi quickly netted another one to extend their lead, with a shot that found LRC’s goalkeeper Tiego Mogashane far out of position. This left LRC fighting to reduce the 4–0 deficit.
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Eventually, LRC managed to get their first goal, showing they were unwilling to let the game slip away.
After a lengthy back-and-forth, with both teams sharing possession, Western Boys conceded a penalty after the ball struck a defender’s hand in the box. This gave LRC yet another opportunity to score. Thapelo Mathabatha took the opportunity and reduced Western Boys’ lead to 4–2.
LRC earned yet another penalty after one of their players was fouled in the box. Azasakhe Sofika converted, giving his side a third goal and keeping alive their hopes of sharing the spoils with Western Boys.
After further end-to-end play, multiple disputed officiating decisions, and 90 minutes that tested both sides’ sportsmanship, the referee blew the final whistle, resulting in Western Boys walking away with three points after the nervy 4–3 win.
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