Seabata Mahao
Lesotho’s national team, Likuena, saw their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 dreams crushed in a devastating 7-0 defeat to Morocco on Monday.
The match, held in Morocco, underscored the significant gap between Lesotho and Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
Though Likuena’s qualification hopes were already dashed before the game, they aimed to end the campaign on a high note following a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) in Bloemfontein, South Africa, last Thursday.
Likuena finished third in Group B, earning just four points from six matches. Morocco and Gabon secured the group’s top two spots. Despite flashes of potential, the team’s overall performance highlighted areas in need of significant improvement.
Lesotho’s struggles against elite teams have been a recurring theme.
This latest loss marked their heaviest competitive defeat since 2012, when they suffered an identical 7-0 drubbing by Ghana during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
Morocco, still riding high from their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final run, fielded their first-choice team and wasted no time asserting their dominance.
A goal from Diaz in the fifth minute set the tone, and Morocco continued to outclass Likuena throughout the match, treating it like a training session.
Lesotho’s defense crumbled under relentless Moroccan attacks, with goals coming from every angle. By the final whistle, the scoreline stood as a harsh reminder of the gap between the two nations.
Tactical Missteps
Criticism has been directed at Likuena’s coaching staff for questionable tactical decisions. A football analyst, who requested anonymity, pointed out glaring errors:
- Key Players Excluded: The omission of Fothoane, Thabo Mats’oele, and Ts’epo Toloane was deemed “catastrophic” by some. These players could have bolstered the team’s performance against a formidable opponent like Morocco.
- Players Out of Position: Concerns were raised about Mafatle starting in midfield despite playing as a defender at his club and Lehlohonolo Matsau being used as a defender against CAR, contrary to his club role.
- Baffling Decisions: Thabang Malane, an experienced defender, was deployed as a winger, leaving many questioning the tactical approach.
The analyst added, “As long as we continue to disregard players’ natural positions and roles, we will remain stagnant. Against high-caliber opponents, we need a clear strategy. What unfolded against Morocco was damage control at best, but even that failed.”
Looking Ahead
Likuena now shifts focus to next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, where they face Angola. A win would secure their place in the continental finals scheduled for February 1-28, 2025, in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The journey to improvement for Likuena remains long and challenging.
As fans look ahead, the hope is that lessons from this campaign will drive better preparation, strategic decision-making, and a more competitive future for Lesotho’s national team.
