Labyrinth Ladies Draw 1-1 At Muruleng Against Benfica

Labyrinth Football Club Ladies travelled to Muruleng on 11 October 2025 for their league away fixture against Benfica, kicking off at 3:00pm. The match ended in a 1-1 stalemate after a hard-fought 90 minutes plus injury time, with both sides sharing the spoils in a contest marked by tactical adjustments and moments of individual brilliance.

Labyrinth lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Mpho Kheswa on the right, Mushuku Angeline centrally, and Nhlayakgosi Lebogang on the left. The midfield quartet consisted of Mosele Ashley on the right wing, Nontlantla Javu and Modise Neo occupying the central midfield roles, and Kebitsang Vanessa operating on the left flank. Up front, the attacking trio featured Thibathiba Thebe on the right, Penyenye Keatlaretswe as the central striker, and Moabi Anna on the left. This setup was designed to provide defensive solidity through the back three while allowing width and creativity from the midfield wings and forward line. The substitutes available for Labyrinth were Letlhogonolo Ditau, Resego Ntsayagae, Kekana Masego, Tshegofatso Mokgopha, and Mabalane Rachael.

The match began with an early setback for Labyrinth when their goalkeeper Tsagae Bonolo was forced off injured after just 10 minutes, replaced by substitute Letlhogonolo Ditau who then swapped position with Thebe Thibathiba who had to step in between the posts. This early change could have unsettled the team, but Thebe quickly settled into her role between the sticks.

Benfica took the lead in the 31st minute with a well-struck effort from outside the area, their player unleashing a right-footed shot that found the net, leaving Thebe with little chance. The goal was a reminder of Benfica’s threat from distance and tested Labyrinth’s defensive organisation.

However, Labyrinth responded positively and were awarded a penalty just eight minutes later, in the 39th minute from a handball inside the area. Letlhogonolo Ditau stepped up confidently to convert from close range with her right foot, restoring parity for the visitors. This goal not only levelled the score but also boosted Labyrinth’s morale heading into the break.

At half-time, the teams were locked at 1-1, setting the stage for a tactical second half. Labyrinth made two immediate substitutions at the interval, bringing on Resego Ntsayagae for Moabi Anna and Kekana Masego for Kebitsang Vanessa. These changes suggested a desire to refresh the left side of midfield and attack, possibly to inject more energy and creativity.

The second half saw further tactical adjustments with Tshegofatso Mokgopha replacing Mosele Ashley on the right wing in the 76th minute, followed closely by Mabalane Rachael coming on for right defender Mpho Kheswa two minutes later. These substitutions aimed to maintain intensity and defensive stability as the match progressed.

In the 84th minute, Tshegofatso Mokgopha received a yellow card for a bad tackle on the goalkeeper, a caution that highlighted the physical nature of the contest in the closing stages. Despite this, Labyrinth held firm to secure a valuable point on the road.

Throughout the match, Modise Neo stood out with a commanding presence in central midfield, orchestrating play and linking defence with attack effectively. Her performance earned her the player of the match accolade, reflecting her influence on the game.

The referee managed the game well, maintaining control with an 80 performance rating, ensuring the match flowed despite the intensity and tactical battles on display.

In a tightly contested league encounter at Muruleng, Labyrinth Football Club Ladies demonstrated resilience and adaptability, overcoming early adversity to earn a deserved 1-1 draw against a strong Benfica side.