Labyrinth Football Club Ladies hosted JS Galaxy at Dinie Estate Rustenburg on 4 October 2025, with kick-off at 3:00pm in a keenly contested league fixture. The home side secured a narrow 1-0 victory after 90 minutes plus injury time, thanks to a decisive second-half goal. Referee Kabelo Lehana oversaw the match with authority, maintaining control throughout a tense encounter witnessed by 300 spectators.
Labyrinth lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, deploying three defenders at the back: Mpho Kheswa on the right, Nontlantla Javu centrally, and Nhlayakgosi Lebogang on the left. This defensive trio was tasked with providing solidity and covering wide threats from JS Galaxy. Ahead of them, the midfield quartet featured Mosele Ashley on the right wing, Letlhogonolo Ditau and Modise Neo occupying central midfield roles, and Tshegofatso Mokgopha on the left flank. Their responsibilities included controlling possession, linking defence and attack, and supporting both offensive and defensive phases. Up front, the attacking trio consisted of Mathuloe Tlotlo on the right, Penyenye Keamogetswe as the central striker, and Mabalane Rachael on the left, expected to spearhead the offensive efforts and create scoring opportunities.
The substitutes named on the bench were Resego Ntsayagae, Kekana Masego, and Thibathiba Thebe, ready to be called upon as tactical changes or injury replacements as the match unfolded.
The first half saw a balanced contest with both sides probing for openings but failing to break the deadlock by the 45-minute mark. Labyrinth’s defensive shape and midfield discipline kept JS Galaxy at bay, while the home side sought to exploit spaces on the flanks and through the centre. The referee brought the half to a close with the scoreline still goalless.
Shortly after the interval, Labyrinth made a double tactical substitution in the 61st minute, introducing Resego Ntsayagae for Tshegofatso Mokgopha on the left midfield and Kekana Masego replacing right forward Mathuloe Tlotlo. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy and sharpen the attacking impetus. The adjustments paid dividends ten minutes later when Letlhogonolo Ditau delivered a precise long pass into the box, finding Resego Ntsayagae who expertly finished with her right foot inside the penalty area to give Labyrinth the lead.
With the score at 1-0, Labyrinth sought to consolidate their advantage. Another tactical substitution followed in the 81st minute as Thibathiba Thebe came on for left forward Mabalane Rachael, reinforcing the team’s shape and stamina in the closing stages.
The match grew increasingly heated in the final ten minutes. In the 87th minute, goalkeeper Tsagae Bonolo was shown a yellow card for a deliberate handball after handling the ball outside the box, a moment that heightened tensions on the pitch. This was swiftly followed by a dramatic sequence in the 89th minute when three players snd a Galaxy coach received red cards for unsporting behaviour: Labyrinth’s central midfielder Letlhogonolo Ditau and substitute Resego Ntsayagae, alongside JS Galaxy coach and 1 player. This flurry of dismissals underscored the intensity and frustration as the game neared its conclusion.
The referee’s firm control ensured the match ended without further incident.
Modise Neo was named player of the match for her influential presence in central midfield, orchestrating play and maintaining composure under pressure throughout the 90 minutes. Her performance was pivotal in both defensive duties and initiating attacks, embodying the team’s tactical approach.
Labyrinth Football Club Ladies will take confidence from this hard-fought victory as they continue their league campaign, while JS Galaxy will rue missed chances and disciplinary lapses that ultimately cost them a share of the spoils.
