In a disappointing league encounter at Fields Colledge on 5th April 2025, Labyrinth Football Club faced a formidable Dream Team Academy, succumbing to a 5-1 defeat. The match kicked off at 3:00pm, and despite a spirited effort, Labyrinth struggled to contain their opponents throughout the game.
Labyrinth adopted a 4-3-3 formation, with Rapula Malusi in goal, flanked by a defensive line of Lesedi Mogorosi on the right, Katlego Maphaeelle and Lindokuhle Ncoko in central defence, and Kula Shaun on the left. The midfield trio consisted of Rebaone Molekwa on the right, Thato Lebakeng in the centre, and Thato Moseneke on the left, while the attacking front featured Mpilo Dube and Kàmogelo Mogotsi on the wings, with Tisetsang Mathikge leading the line as the striker. This setup aimed to provide a balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair, but it ultimately fell short against a well-drilled Dream Team side.
The substitutes for Labyrinth included Johnny Liebenberg and Thabiso Nthako, who would later be called upon to make an impact as the match progressed.
The opening exchanges saw Dream Team Academy take an early lead in the 8th minute with a fluke goal, scored from close range by one of their forwards using his right foot. Labyrinth's defence was caught off guard, and the goal set the tone for a challenging afternoon.
Just three minutes later, Lindokuhle Ncoko made a crucial clearance in the 11th minute, preventing a further chance for the visitors and showcasing his defensive prowess. However, the pressure continued to mount, and in the 15th minute, goalkeeper Rapula Malusi had to punch away a dangerous cross, demonstrating his agility under pressure.
Dream Team Academy doubled their advantage in the 18th minute, scoring directly from a corner kick with a powerful header from close range. Labyrinth's defence struggled to cope with the set-piece threat, and the visitors capitalised on their opportunities.
Kàmogelo Mogotsi attempted to respond for Labyrinth in the 21st minute, but his shot went wide, reflecting the team's frustration in front of goal. Katlego Maphaeelle then made a vital block in the 25th minute, preventing another clear chance for Dream Team, but the home side was unable to find their rhythm.
In the 27th minute, Rebaone Molekwa was caught offside after a mistimed run, a decision that was correctly flagged by the assistant referee. The visitors continued to dominate, scoring their third goal in the 32nd minute with a well-placed shot from the right foot of one of their forwards, leaving Labyrinth trailing 3-0.
Thato Moseneke had a chance to pull one back in the 37th minute, but his effort sailed high over the bar. As the first half drew to a close, Dream Team Academy struck again in the 42nd minute, finishing off a well-executed team move with another right-footed shot from close range, extending their lead to 4-0.
Rapula Malusi showcased his goalkeeping skills once more in the 44th minute, making a solid catch to deny any further damage before the half-time whistle blew, signalling a difficult 45 minutes for Labyrinth.
The second half began with Labyrinth looking to regroup, but they struggled to find their footing. Tisetsang Mathikge had an opportunity in the 53rd minute, but his shot went wide, reflecting the team's ongoing difficulties in front of goal.
In the 55th minute, Labyrinth made their first substitution, bringing on Johnny Liebenberg for the injured Lesedi Mogorosi, a tactical change aimed at shoring up the defence. Thato Moseneke then made a key pass in the 58th minute, delivering a long ball that created a chance for Labyrinth.
The breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute when Kàmogelo Mogotsi scored for Labyrinth, finishing off a well-worked team move with a left-footed shot, assisted by Thato Moseneke's long pass. This goal provided a glimmer of hope for the home side, reducing the deficit to 4-1.
However, the joy was short-lived as Dream Team Academy responded with their fifth goal in the 84th minute, scoring from a goalmouth scramble, further asserting their dominance.
Labyrinth continued to push forward, with attempts from Tisetsang Mathikge in the 86th minute and Kàmogelo Mogotsi in the 81st minute, both of which went wide, illustrating the home side's struggle to convert chances into goals.
As the final whistle blew, Labyrinth FC were left to reflect on a heavy defeat, with Dream Team Academy proving to be a class above on the day. The match highlighted the need for Labyrinth to regroup and reassess their strategies moving forward in the league.
