Labyrinth Football Club welcomed REC to the Dinie Estate Rustenburg on 26 April 2025 for a gripping league encounter that saw the home side emerge victorious with a scoreline of 2-1. The match kicked off at 3:00pm, and with an attendance of 150, the atmosphere was electric as both teams sought crucial points in the league standings.
Labyrinth FC set up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to provide a balanced approach between defence and attack. Koketso Ramong donned the gloves as the goalkeeper, while a back four comprised of Kaelo Phillis on the right, Lindokuhle Ncoko and Mabaso Keabetswe in central defence, and Kula Shaun on the left aimed to provide a solid foundation. In midfield, Johnny Liebenberg operated on the right, Thato Moseneke took up a central role, and Jacob Zimba played on the left, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. Up front, Mogorosi Katane and Kàmogelo Mogotsi flanked striker Thabiso Nthako, who was expected to lead the line and convert chances into goals. The substitutes for Labyrinth included Thabang Pule, Karabo Molekwa, and Amogelang Lesedi.
The match began with an unexpected twist as REC took the lead just four minutes in, courtesy of an own goal from Labyrinth FC. A defensive mix-up allowed the ball to find its way into the net, leaving Koketso Ramong helpless and the home side trailing early on.
However, Labyrinth responded with determination, and their efforts bore fruit in the 23rd minute when Thabiso Nthako found the equaliser. A well-timed assist from Johnny Liebenberg set Nthako up for a close-range tap-in, bringing the score to 1-1. Just two minutes later, Nthako struck again, this time showcasing his skill with a well-executed finish following a team move, assisted by Thato Moseneke. The home crowd erupted as Labyrinth took a 2-1 lead.
As the match progressed into the second half, Labyrinth maintained their momentum, but the game took a turn in the 52nd minute when Johnny Liebenberg received a yellow card for an infringement. The situation worsened for Labyrinth in the 61st minute when Lindokuhle Ncoko had to be substituted due to injury, with Thabang Pule coming on to replace him.
The tension escalated in the 78th minute when Labyrinth made another tactical substitution, bringing on Karabo Molekwa for Jacob Zimba. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 82nd minute when Liebenberg received a second yellow card, resulting in a red card that left Labyrinth with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Despite being a man down, Labyrinth held firm, but they were forced to make another substitution in the 88th minute as Thabiso Nthako, who had been instrumental in their attacking play, was replaced by Amogelang Lesedi due to injury.
As the final whistle blew, Labyrinth FC celebrated a hard-fought victory, with Thabiso Nthako earning the title of Player of the Match for his pivotal role in securing the win. The match showcased resilience and determination from Labyrinth, who now look to build on this success in their upcoming fixtures.
