Seabata Mahao
The national senior football team, Likuena, kept their slim hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alive with a hard-fought victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) in a Group B match played in Bloemfontein, South Africa, yesterday.
The 1-0 win propelled Likuena to third place in the group, with four points, moving them above CAR, which now sits at the bottom of the table. However, Likuena’s path to qualification remains narrow.
To have a chance at reaching AFCON, they must defeat Group B leaders Morocco in a must-win clash on November 18. Furthermore, they will need CAR and Morocco to beat Gabon in other crucial matches for the qualification hopes to materialise.
Likuena’s qualifying campaign has been a tough one, with three losses, one draw, and one win after five matches. Despite the challenges, the team’s performance against CAR has kept their qualification dream alive—albeit by the slimmest of margins.
The match was played under challenging conditions, behind closed doors, with no spectators present. This decision was made by the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) to maintain a controlled and secure environment, minimizing external distractions and ensuring that the players’ focus remained entirely on the game.
Head coach Leslie Notši had announced his official 23-player squad ahead of the match, a team that blends experienced internationals with promising young talent. The squad selection reflects Notši’s strategy of building a competitive and balanced team for both the present and future.
With key figures like captain Sekhoane Moerane and star forward Tšepo Toloane, Likuena’s squad is anchored by seasoned internationals who have played in high-stakes competitions. These players will be crucial in mentoring the younger players, guiding them through the challenges of international football.
Notši has also integrated emerging talents, such as young defender Mpho Hlephole and midfielder Hlompho Kalake, into the squad. Their inclusion highlights Notši’s forward-thinking approach, giving younger players valuable international experience that will benefit the team in the long term.
A statement issued by the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) explained that playing behind closed doors saved the association over M100 000 in security and stadium fees. This decision follows the challenges of hosting Likuena’s matches in South Africa after the suspension of Setsoto Stadium from hosting international fixtures. Attendance at Likuena’s matches has been low since the move, further justifying the decision to hold the match without spectators.
Looking ahead, LeFA has announced that spectators will be allowed for the next match, which will be the African Nations Championship (CHAN) second-round, first leg against Angola. The stakes will be higher for this match, and LeFA hopes the weekend timing will encourage a larger crowd from Lesotho to travel and support the team.
Below is Likuena squad which has been selected for their CAR and Morocco matches during the current FIFA international break:
Goalkeepers; SekhoaneMoerane (Orbit College), Ntsane Molise (Linare), and TankisoChaba (LCS).
Defenders; Thabo Makhele (Chippa United),RethabileMokokoane (Matlama), FusiMatlabe (Mpheni Defenders),Thabo Malane (African Stars), Thabo Matšoele (Linare), Thabo Mafatle (Bantu), MphoHlephole (Lioli), Thabo Sefoli (Upington City), andRethabileRasethuntša (Linare).
Midlefielders;HlomphoKalake (Bantu) TlotlisoPhatsisi (Black Leopards),Teboho Letsema (Sekhukhune United), PasekaMaile (Kick4Life Juventude), Neo Mokhachane (Jwaneng Galaxy),LehlohonoloFothoane (Bantu),TšepoToloane (LDF),LehlohonoloMatsau (LDF), and LisemaLebokollane (Matlama).
Strikers; LemohangLintša (LU FC), and Motebang Sera (Royal AM).
