Likuena were held to a disappointing goalless draw by lowly Seychelles in the first leg of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round clash played in Bloemfontein, South Africa, yesterday, leaving their progression and a lucrative incentive hanging in the balance.
In what was coach Bob Mafoso’s first official match in charge, Lesotho dominated possession for long periods but failed to convert their superiority into goals against modest opposition.
Seychelles, widely considered underdogs, proved resilient at the back, frustrating Likuena in what was technically their home fixture. Seychelles is ranked number 203, while Lesotho is in position 143 in the January 2026 FIFA rankings.
Despite controlling the tempo and pinning Seychelles in their own half, Likuena lacked cutting edge in the final third, with their few clear chances going begging. The islanders’ defence coped comfortably; raising concerns about Lesotho’s attacking efficiency ahead of the decisive return leg.
The stalemate leaves Likuena with everything to play for in Sunday’s second leg at the same Toyota Stadium, where they must secure victory to advance to the next round or risk an early and embarrassing exit.
Beyond qualification, failure to progress could also cost the players a significant financial reward. The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, has tabled a combined M300, 000 incentive for the team to overcome Seychelles.
The package, equally funded by government and LeFA, was designed to boost morale and underline the importance of the tie. However, the reward now hangs in the balance following the underwhelming first-leg performance.
Speaking ahead of the fixtures, LeFA president Lijane Nthunya emphasised the urgency of the assignment, insisting Lesotho should not be competing at the preliminary stage of major continental tournaments.
“Likuena should not be playing in the preliminary qualifiers of any competition. The team must win this tie by hook or crook,” he said.
Nthunya added that the M300,000 pledge is only a starting point, with potential for further incentives should corporate partners come on board.
“We have made requests to companies, and while we have not yet received responses, any additional support will be added on top of this amount,” he noted.
Heading into the tie, Mafoso had opted for continuity, naming a largely unchanged squad from recent selections under former coach Leslie Notsi. The approach signalled a cautious start to his tenure, with the technical team placing trust in familiar combinations, particularly in defence and midfield.
Preparations for the clash had spanned three weeks, with the coach expressing confidence in his players’ form and fitness. The squad has been largely made up of locally based players, with only a limited number of foreign-based reinforcements expected to join camp closer to matchday.
Mafoso and his technical team had also undertaken detailed analysis of Seychelles, studying their previous AFCON qualifying matches and COSAFA Cup performances in an effort to gain a tactical edge.
However, that preparation did not translate into a winning start, as Likuena struggled to break down a disciplined Seychelles side.
Summary
- Likuena were held to a disappointing goalless draw by lowly Seychelles in the first leg of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round clash played in Bloemfontein, South Africa, yesterday, leaving their progression and a lucrative incentive hanging in the balance.
- The stalemate leaves Likuena with everything to play for in Sunday’s second leg at the same Toyota Stadium, where they must secure victory to advance to the next round or risk an early and embarrassing exit.
- The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, has tabled a combined M300, 000 incentive for the team to overcome Seychelles.
Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.
