Likuena’s AFCON dream remains alive

Mamello Rakotsoane

The senior national football team, Likuena, have kept their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) dream alive after coming from behind to defeat Seychelles 2-1 at Toyota Stadium on Sunday, sealing progression to the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

The hard-fought victory sees Lesotho successfully clear the preliminary round hurdle, placing the team within touching distance of a historic first-ever appearance at the AFCON finals, should they navigate the upcoming group stages.

The win sealed the preliminary round tie for the side coached by Atang ‘Bob’ Mafoso after the first leg between the two nations ended in a goalless draw at the same venue.

Likuena dominated possession from the start and created several scoring opportunities but initially struggled to break down a disciplined Seychelles defence that had already proven difficult to penetrate in the first leg.

Despite Lesotho’s control of the match, it was Seychelles who struck first just before half-time. Forward Brandon Labrosse capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 45th minute, beating goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, who had rushed off his line in an attempt to clear the ball.

The goal handed Seychelles a 1-0 lead at the break and briefly threatened to derail Lesotho’s ambitions.

However, Likuena returned from the interval with renewed urgency, maintaining pressure and eventually finding an equaliser through Lebohang Lesako. The Orbit College FC attacker showed composure inside the box, dribbling past two defenders before slotting home to level the match.

With qualification still hanging in the balance, Mafoso introduced attacking reinforcements, including Neo Mokhachane and Lesotho’s all-time leading scorer Jane Thabantšo, in a bid to sharpen the team’s attack.

The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when striker Motebang Sera rose above the defence to head home a well-delivered free kick from Itumeleng Falene, sealing a 2-1 victory and Lesotho’s passage to the group stage.

Following the win, Lijane Nthunya, the president of the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA), expressed gratitude to stakeholders who supported the team during the two-legged encounter, which was played in South Africa.

“We are grateful to all stakeholders who made time to travel to Bloemfontein to support the team in its two crucial matches, where it secured qualification into the group stage,” Nthunya said.

He praised the government of Lesotho, particularly the Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo, who attended the decisive second leg alongside other officials, corporate partners, and supporters.

The Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, in partnership with LeFA, had announced a M300,000 performance incentive to motivate the team to reach the group stage of the tournament, which will be hosted in East Africa in 2027.

Nthunya said the gesture helped inspire the players to push harder in the decisive moments of the tie.

“We thank the Ministry for the incentive, encouraging the players to double their effort. Likuena belongs to Basotho we call on corporate partners to help make securing qualification into the main tournament a reality,” he said.

Newsday

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