Likuena will lock horns with Zimbabwe tomorrow in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. Likuena left for South Africa last Friday and kept themselves busy with a 1-1 friendly international draw against Namibia last Saturday.
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Leslie Notši and his charges have now honed their focus on a crucial week that will see Likuena face Zimbabwe tomorrow then Rwanda four days later.
Lesotho is in Group C of Africa’s World Cup qualifiers with Zimbabwe, Benin, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa. Only one nation will progress and Likuena and the Warriors are looking for their first wins after both drew their first two qualifiers.
Each nation has two points and a win for either would boost their chances in a group currently led by Rwanda with four points.
Likuena started their campaign with draws against Nigeria away and Benin at home, and while both results were rightly lauded, Lesotho have to win at least one of their next two games to keep the momentum going.
After this week’s games, Likuena’s next qualifiers are next year and they include two legs against South Africa, which will not be easy.
Lesotho and Zimbabwe are no strangers and the regional counterparts have met several times in the COSAFA Cup and in friendly games. If history is anything to go by, Zimbabwe go into the game as favourites and they have called up a strong squad that is made up almost entirely of European based players.
The last time Lesotho and Zimbabwe met in an official game was in 2019 in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying rounds when Zimbabwe got the better of the matchup.
Recent meetings:
African Nations Championship
20/10/2019
Lesotho 0-0 Zimbabwe
22/09/2019
Zimbabwe 3-1 Lesotho
Likuena, however, are riding a wave of confidence built by their form since Notši took over as interim coach last June and this year Lesotho have a draw with South Africa and an away win over Ethiopia on their resume.
Notši has spent the last few days with his final squad selection for the qualifiers, which includes in-form Limkokwing University hitman Lemohang Lintša who is said to be eager to impress should he be given an opportunity across the two games.
Lesotho’s top striker Motebang Sera has also joined squad. Sera, who plays for Royal AM in South Africa’s premier league, joined his teammates late because he was still busy with club duties.
After tomorrow’s game, Likuena will fly to Durban where they will host Rwanda on Tuesday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Likuena squad:
Sekhoane Moerane, Tankiso Chaba, Ntsane Molise, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, Fusi Matlabe, Rethabile Mokokoane, Rethabile Rasethuntša, Thabang Malane, Motete Mohai, Thabo Matšoele, Thabo Makhele, Lisema Lebokollane, Lehlohonolo Matsau, Thabo Lesaoana, Tlotliso Phatsisi, Tshwarelo Bereng, Tumelo Khutlang, Tšepo Toloane, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Tšepang Sefali, Neo Mokhachane, Teboho Letsema, Jane Thabantšo, Motebang Sera, Lemohang Lintša
