Maseru — Two second half goals for the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) club could not entertain the army boys' dreams of advancing to the first round of the African Cup Winners' Cup at the Setsoto stadium on Sunday, flushing off their chances to meet rivals South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs.

The army team were their own enemies on the day when they failed to bring home much needed target to net home in the early stages which they dominated against the visiting USST of Reunion island.

While trying to absorb the pressure as the locals knocked the ball around, the visitors stretched their midfield and preferred long passes. But LDF kept their hopes alive and dictated terms to the Islanders who were hardly a threat.

As Majara Masupha looked scary upfront, the locals did not drop their supply. Their efforts nearly paid off when the Mauritius referee pointed to the penalty spot after handling of the ball during the confusion in the area in the 12 minute.

Fans waited in expectations as LDF new signing, Lire Phiri went to take the penalty. But the prolific striker buried his face in his hands after hopelessly shooting straight to visitors' goalkeeper, Techer Michael.

Phiri started to show signs of frustration and struggle to get back to the game. When the game heated up, the army lads attacked from the flanks. Teboho Motaba, LDF's left wingback was unlucky when his long-range cracker hit the cross bar.

The visitors played a more defensive style allowing the locals to initiate good build-ups but Michael kept LDF at bay when Masupha's several shots went wide as the visitors failed to contain the onslaught.

The half time score was 0-0. Tau Lerotholi replaced Phiri who looked out of focus and confused early in the second half. Ts'epo Keketsi also came in for injured Teboho Lekhafola.

Thapelo Molefi took things under his control when his forward runs forced the visitors to have a close look at him. But forgetting Masupha was suicidal as he collected Molefi's chip-in before tapping home the first goal of the match in the 76 minute.

Molefi increased the score with a flying header in the near post after Malefetsane Pheko's cross.

Motheo Mohapi, LDF's Player-Assistant coach, said he was satisfied with his charges' performance. "We played well but were unlucky to lose," said Mohapi. He said they played well because they made changes in the defence.

"We committed silly mistakes in the first match. Our defenders' back passes were intercepted and we were punished," said Mohapi.

The visitors' captain, Robert said the pitch was small it was difficult for them. "Also the altitude counts. We beat them in the first match because the air was not conducive to them. We are just 500 metres above sea level while they are twice as much so we also encountered problems," concluded a delighted captain.

USST is facing the high riding South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs from which they should be highly prepared if they wish to take home victory. Kaizer Chiefs boast of the likes of Siyabonga Nomvete, Zyril Nzama and Jabu Pule. The former is among the top goalscorers in the SA premier league.