Labyrinth Football Club secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Super Africans FC in a tense league encounter held at the Marikana stadium on 13 April 2025. The match kicked off at 3:00pm, with both teams eager to claim vital points in the league standings.
Labyrinth adopted a 4-3-3 formation, which saw Aobakwe Makgatho stationed in goal. The defensive line comprised Monchusi Motlhatswi and Kula Shaun as the right and left defenders respectively, with Thabiso Nthako and Tshepo Jacobs forming a solid central defensive partnership. In midfield, Phakiso Lenyora operated on the right, Thato Moseneke took up a central role, and Johnny Liebenberg provided width on the left. Up front, Mogomotsi Motene and Kàmogelo Mogotsi flanked striker Mogorosi Katane, who was tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Labyrinth included Karabo Molekwa, Rapula Malusi.
The first half saw Labyrinth pressing early, with Phakiso Lenyora making a key pass in the 18th minute that sliced through the Super Africans defence, creating a promising chance. Just a minute later, Mogorosi Katane attempted to capitalise on this opportunity but his shot went wide, signalling Labyrinth's intent to dominate the game.
Defensively, Thabiso Nthako was alert in the 25th minute, executing a crucial clearance that prevented a potential goal-scoring opportunity for Super Africans. However, it was Mogorosi Katane who continued to threaten the opposition, firing another attempt high in the 31st minute as Labyrinth sought to break the deadlock.
The breakthrough finally came in the 39th minute when Kàmogelo Mogotsi found the net, scoring with his left foot after a well-placed cross from Mogorosi Katane. This goal was the result of a well-coordinated team move, sending Labyrinth into the lead just before half-time.
As the first half drew to a close, Aobakwe Makgatho showcased his goalkeeping prowess with a dive at the feet of an advancing attacker in the 41st minute, followed by a full-stretch save just before the whistle, ensuring Labyrinth maintained their slender lead.
The second half began with Labyrinth looking to consolidate their advantage. Phakiso Lenyora had a chance to extend the lead in the 55th minute, but his effort was saved by the Super Africans goalkeeper. The match took a turn in the 58th minute when an opponent received a yellow card for unsporting behaviour, reflecting the growing tension on the pitch.
In the 71st minute, Labyrinth made their first substitution as Karabo Molekwa replaced Monchusi Motlhatswi due to injury. The tactical switch aimed to maintain defensive stability as the match progressed. Shortly after, Aobakwe Makgatho was called into action again, making a punch clearance in the 75th minute to keep his side ahead.
Labyrinth made further changes in the 77th minute, with Rapula Malusi coming on for Mogomotsi Motene, adding fresh legs to the attack. However, the match took an unexpected twist in the 82nd minute when an own goal from a Super Africans player doubled Labyrinth's lead, albeit inadvertently.
Rapula Malusi nearly added to the scoreline in the 84th minute, striking the crossbar with a powerful attempt that left the Super Africans defence rattled. The match continued to be fiercely contested, with Kula Shaun making a vital clearance in the 89th minute to thwart a late push from the opposition.
As the match approached its conclusion, Aobakwe Makgatho capped off a stellar performance with a catch in the 90th minute, securing the clean sheet and ensuring Labyrinth FC walked away with all three points. The victory was a testament to Labyrinth's resilience and tactical discipline, as they navigated a challenging encounter against Super Africans FC.
