SeabataMahao
The senior national team, Likuena, today takes on Gabon in a crucial African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B qualifier as they pursue their first-ever qualification for the prestigious tournament.
The match will kick off at 20:00 Central African Time (CAT) at Stade de Franceville, Gabon. The return leg is scheduled for October 15 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.
Likuena, under coach Leslie Notši, are determined to turn their campaign around after a difficult start. They lost their first two matches—3-1 to the Central African Republic (CAR) and 1-0 to Morocco—leaving them at the bottom of the group with no points. Morocco currently tops the group with six points.
Coach Notši remains hopeful despite the setbacks. He noted that they had studied Gabon’s recent match against Morocco and are prepared for the challenge.
“We had the opportunity to watch Gabon play Morocco, and we’ve crafted our game plan based on our observations and strengths,” Notši said.
“We know Gabon has strong players, but we believe we can compete.”
Likuena’s top striker, Motebang Sera, who plays for Royal AM in the South African Premier League, will miss the match due to a suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in the previous games against Morocco and CAR. The team will rely on other key players to step up as they seek to secure their first points in the qualifiers.
The AFCON 2025 tournament will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The final squad for Gabon is as follows:
The goalkeepers are SekhoaneMoerane, TankisoChaba and Ntsane Molise. The defenders are ThabangMalane, Thabo Makhele, FusiMatlabe, Thabo Matšoele, RethabileRasethuntša, RethabileMokokoane, Mokhele Molise, Mohlomi Makhetha and Thato Sefuli.
The midfielders are LisemaLebokollane, LehlohonoloMatsau, TšepoToloane, TlotlisoPhatsisi, Teboho Letsema, Neo Mokhachane, Ts’oarelo Bereng and Thabo Mafatle. The forwards are KatlehoMakateng and Jane Thabantšo.
