Likuena head coach Bob Mafoso is confident that Lesotho will deliver an improved performance when they take on Gabon in their back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches.
Lesotho will travel to Gabon for the first encounter today on (13 November 2026) before hosting the return fixture on 17 November at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Mafoso named his final 23-man squad on Friday, making several changes to the team that featured in the previous qualifying matches against Niger and Morocco.
Among the notable omissions are league champions Lijabatho goalkeeper Monahaheng Ramalefane, Majantja midfielder Tšepang Sefali, Matlama captain Rethabile Mokokoane and Lijabatho forward Teboho Masuoane, who have all been ruled out through injuries.
LDF goalkeeper Mosoeu Seahlolo has been called up to replace Ramalefane, while Linare midfielder Pheko ‘Molaoa and Lebohang Lesako of South African side Orbit College are also returning to the national team after missing the previous two qualifiers.
Likuena will be hoping to bounce back from disappointing results in their last two outings, having suffered a 2-1 defeat against Niger before going down 2-0 to Morocco.
However, Mafoso believes the team has learnt important lessons from those encounters and is determined to translate its potential into better results against Gabon.
“These are important games given how we performed in the previous games,” Mafoso said.
“We believe there are some lessons learnt and I can promise that Basotho are going to see a very improved performance.”
The coach said supporters should expect a more competitive side, explaining that the technical team had worked to address weaknesses identified in the previous matches.
He acknowledged that although Likuena had shown promising signs in some of their previous encounters, their performances had not produced the desired results.
Mafoso said the latest selection was aimed at strengthening different departments of the team while addressing gaps that had affected its competitiveness.
He expressed confidence in the quality and potential of the selected players, adding that preparations had given the technical team reason to believe that Likuena could produce better performances.
“We think we are ready and brave enough to deliver good performances in the upcoming two games. You will be able to see our team’s positioning, identity and what we are trying to achieve with this team,” he said.
The national team departed on Sunday for the first encounter, with Mafoso hoping that the two fixtures will provide an opportunity for Likuena to demonstrate their progress and restore confidence among supporters.
Likuena’s final 23-man squad, Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane, Katleho Mathetsa, Mosoeu Seahlolo.
Defenders: Fusi Matlabe, Thabo Makhele, Ketleho Koaeana, Thabang Malane, Motlomelo Mkwanazi, Mohlomi Makhetha, Tlotliso Mapola, Lehlohonolo Matsau.
Midfielders: Thabo Lesaoana, Tlotliso Phatsisi, Tšepo Toloane, Neo Mokhachane, Limpho Ralesupi, Teboho Letsema, Pheko ‘Molaoa, Lebohang Lesako, Tholang Makuru, Bakuena Ramakatsa.
Strikers: Molefi Kuleile, Motebang Sera.
Summary
- The coach said supporters should expect a more competitive side, explaining that the technical team had worked to address weaknesses identified in the previous matches.
- He expressed confidence in the quality and potential of the selected players, adding that preparations had given the technical team reason to believe that Likuena could produce better performances.
- The national team departed on Sunday for the first encounter, with Mafoso hoping that the two fixtures will provide an opportunity for Likuena to demonstrate their progress and restore confidence among supporters.
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