Lesotho rugby will get full world recognition
MASERU – Likuena head coach Leslie Notši has backed his aspect to placed on a robust present when Lesotho host Central African Republic (CAR) this afternoon of their penultimate 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The match might be performed in South Africa on the Free State Stadium earlier than Likuena fly out to battle Morocco on Monday.
Although Likuena’s possibilities of qualifying for subsequent 12 months’s finals are over even when they win their remaining two video games, Notši stated the tie towards CAR stays essential for the workforce’s improvement and FIFA rankings.
Likuena, who misplaced 3-1 when the perimeters met within the away recreation in September, might be with out Jane Thabantšo who stays sidelined due to an harm.
In his place, Notši has awarded call-ups to standout performers from Likuena’s overcome Namibia within the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying final week.
The contemporary faces embody Bantu star Hlompho Kalake who has not been thought-about for Lesotho’s AFCON and FIFA World Cup qualifiers this 12 months till now.
The conflict with CAR additionally provides Likuena an opportunity to take care of optimistic momentum after the success towards Namibia.
Lesotho will face Angola in December for the suitable to advance to the 2025 CHAN finals in February.
“It is important to us as Likuena because we need to be seen as a competitive team,” Notši stated.
“We need to be seen as consistent, we need to take advantage that we are playing at home,” the Likuena coach added.
“We also need to secure our position in the FIFA rankings and also for our players to get international exposure; it’s important that we play more games and improve individually and as a team.”
Notši stated Lesotho would look to make use of classes realized from the perimeters’ first encounter in CAR. In that recreation, Lesotho loved 56 p.c ball possession in comparison with the hosts’ 44 p.c, however Likuena couldn’t flip their dominance into objectives.
“There are a lot of good attributes we took from the first leg, we dominated ball possession but we lost. We believe we can improve on that and try to secure maximum points. We know it’s not going to be easy but we have players that are capable,” Notši stated.
Following at this time’s match, the workforce will face group leaders Morocco on the Honneur Stadium on Monday. Morocco have already certified for the 2025 AFCON by advantage of being hosts however, for Likuena, will probably be one other golden alternative to lace up towards Africa’s top-ranked nation.
When the groups met in September, Notši’s aspect succumbed to a last-gasp objective in a 1-0 heart-breaking defeat.
Likuena sit on the backside of Group B with one level from 4 video games.
Notši stated Likuena’s preparations have been higher this time as a result of they’ve had their worldwide gamers be part of the remainder of the squad early, not like for the aspect’s earlier video games.
Notši stated beforehand Likuena had been solely capable of have one session as a workforce earlier than enjoying due to late arrivals. This time round, they’ve had two periods.
Likuena squad:
Goalkeepers
Sekhoane Moerane, Ntsane Molise, Tankiso Chaba
Defenders
Thabo Makhele, Rethabile Mokokoane, Fusi Matlabe, Thabang Malane, Mpho Hlephole, Thabo Matšoele, Thabo Mafatle, Rethabile Rasethuntša, Thato Sefoli
Midfielders
Hlompho Kalake, Tlotliso Phatsisi, Teboho Letsema, Paseka Maile, Neo Mokhachane, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Tšepo Toloane, Lehlohonolo Matsau, Lisema Lebokollane
Forwards
Lemohang Lintša, Motebang Sera
Tlalane Phahla
