Player Ratings - Lesotho

Player Ratings - Lesotho

Egypt 2-0 Makoanyane XI
April 17, 2011
Dobsonville Stadium — Johannesburg

South Africa

Lesotho line-up: 4-2-3-1

 Kananelo Makhooane

Salebone Lekhooa   Kopano Tseka    Basia Makepe©  Jeremia Kamele

Thabiso Mohapi   Sepiriti Malefane

Montoeli Sonopo           Tsebang Lebata           Litšepe Marabe

  Lehlomela Ramabele

Kananelo Makhooane – 6

Overall Makhooane didn’t play badly but the Likhopo keeper can be blamed for Egypt’s opening goal. Twice the ball was hanging in the air after mis-kicked clearances by his defenders from a corner and twice Makhooane remained indecisive on his goal-line instead of clearing the danger, illustrating his weakness from crosses and high balls. Makhooane however did pull off a stunning save one-on-one with Mohamed Zaky shortly afterwards showing his strength, namely solid shot-stopping.

Salebone Lekhooa – 5

Lekhooa gave a customary determined first half display, but it was already clear he was struggling against left-winger Mohamed Ghaly and he was forced to make several last ditch tackles. In the second half Lekhooa had a nightmare containing the bigger, faster and skilful Ghaly. Although Lekhooa didn’t get much help, his zone was Lesotho’s weak point and as a result Ghaly was Egypt’s main threat.

Basia Makepe – 9

The Makoanyane XI captain had a fine game and led by example throughout. He was strong in the tackle and was never beaten one-on-one. His distribution was also calm and his covering was exemplary. A wonderful display – hardly put a foot wrong.

Kopano Tseka – 5

Tseka gave away the penalty for Egypt’s second goal with an ill-judged lunge and he looked nervous throughout. Did well when Egypt’s attackers had their backs to goals but as soon as they got turned and running at him Tseka was shaky.

Jeremia Kamele – 7

Kamele had a very good game playing in what is not normally his favoured position. He was solid and whole-hearted, and his pace allowed him to make up whenever he was caught out. Also had a good understanding with Joy teammate Makepe on the left-side of Lesotho’s four man defence.

Sepiriti Malefane – 6

Came in for the suspended Tšoanelo Koetle, a tough task in itself, and did the best as could be expected. Had an accomplished first half both on the ball and positionally when Lesotho was not in possession. But he clearly tired in the second half as Egypt’s midfield thoroughly overran Lesotho.

Thabiso Mohapi – 6 

Did well to contain Egypt’s highly skilled midfield in the first half but at times was over-excited in possession, trying the expansive pass rather than the simple ball. Mohapi was solid in the tackle but just like central midfield partner Malefane he faded considerably as the game wore on.

Tsebang Lebata – 6 

Looked off colour and wasn’t the same force of Lesotho’s qualifying campaign. Maybe it’s because Notši decided to play him behind the striker and not on the right-wing as normal. Lebata seemed unsure of his bearings sometimes and was unable to influence the game though he did show a few glimpses of his touch and pace.

Montoeli Sonopo – 7

Sonopo had a few promising moments. There was a spell in the first half when Lesotho looked to get on top and Sonopo was Lesotho’s main instigator running furiously at Egypt’s defence and created a degree of panic. But at times he held onto the ball too long and ran himself into blind alleys against Egypt’s streetwise defenders.

Litšepe Marabe – 4

Had a particularly poor game without the ball. On the ball Marabe was the Marabe everyone knows, confident and classy, but off it was another story. Added nothing to the team’s defensive effort and overall had a game to forget. It wasn’t a surprise when he was hauled off towards the end.

Lehlomela Ramabele – 6

Ramabele was his usual hardworking self, but maybe he was too hardworking. He often felt the need to help out in midfield but this usually left Lesotho without a focal point upfront. It would be harsh to criticise Ramabele though, he was forced to feed off scraps all game and he gave his all.

Substitutes

Mosiuoa Boseka

Came on for Marabe and didn’t have enough time to have any influence on the match.

Lebajoa Mosehlanyane

Came in with a few minutes to go replacing Ramabele and only had a few touches of the ball.