Chris Theko
The national senior men’s football team Likuena head coach Vaselin Jelusic will be aiming for victory over Seychelles when the two sides meet in the first leg of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round encounter next week.
The first of the two-legged clash is scheduled to take place on March 23, 2022 in Seychelles while the second leg will be played four days later on Sunday in Dobsonville stadium in Soweto, South Africa.
Addressing the media in Maseru this week, Jelusic expressed his positive spirit about the game outcome fueled by the impressive vibe he said he has witnessed from his camp.
“Since I came in, we have been working on improving all parts of the game from build-up to offensive parts of the game to possession of the ball. We are very happy about the level of commitment that our players have shown so far, they are very dedicated in practice and we are positive and optimistic,†Jelusic said.
The Serbian tactician acknowledged though, that the game will not be an easy one as both teams will be looking to secure a place in the group stages of the African showpiece.
If rankings are anything to go by, Lesotho stand a better chance to secure a win and advance to the group stages. Lesotho is currently ranked 10 positions above their opponents at position 43 while Seychelles is in position 53.
“We know that this will be a very difficult and tough game but we believe that we will pass through this first round of the competition and qualify for the group stages of the AFCON,†the coach said.
On the other hand, the captain of the team Basia Makepe said the tie is a must-win as that is their only goal.
“We have been preparing for the game for over a month now and I believe we are ready to battle it out and win because it is the only objective we have. We have adjusted to the new coach’s method which he wants us to play and we can only promise the nation to play well because this is a game that we need to win at all costs,†Makepe said.
The final 23-man squad reported for camp on Sunday 13th March 2022 consists of the following:
*Goalkeepers*:
Monaheng Ramalefane, Tankiso Chaba, Sekhoane Moerane.
*Defenders*:
Kopano Tseka, Refiloe Mothae, Rethabile Mokokoane, Rethabile Rasethuntša, Basia Makepe, Thabang Malane, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi.
*Midfielders*:
Thabo Lesaoana, Letlatsa Moshoeshoe, Neo Mokhachane, TÅ¡oarelo Bereng, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Lisema Lebokollane, TÅ¡epang Sefali, Tumelo Makha, Tumelo Khutlang, TÅ¡epo Toloane.
*Strikers*:
Motebang Sera, Katleho Makateng, Jane Thabantšo.
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