Lesotho drops to 115th, makes three additions to squad

Lesotho dropped 10 places to 115th in the latest Fifa World Rankings released last Thursday. The drop comes after Lesotho had reached its highest ever rating of 105 in last month’s rankings.

Likuena had the opportunity to break into the world’s top 100 for the first time ever but suffered the disappointment of a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso and a late equaliser at home to Gabon in 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers played this month.

The results mean Lesotho lies third in a tough Group C after two games.

I wiiill, muust pass... You caan't hold me back!
Mission Likuena to Morocco

Likuena now face a critical back-to-back against Angola in October and national coach Seephephe ‘Mochini’ Matete has added three players to his squad.

Bantu goalkeepers Kholuoe Phasumane and Liteboho Mokhesi have been drafted in as cover for first-choice stopper Mohau Kuenane who is suspended for the first of the double-header against Angola.

Promising Kick4Life striker Thabiso Brown has also been called up to augment the attack. The 19 year-old was prolific for the national Under-20 side during its 2015 African Youth Championship qualifiers earlier in the year and he will compete with Thapelo Tale, Tšepo Lekhooana and Tšepo Seturumane for a starting berth.

Announcing his squad, Matete remained confident of Lesotho’s chances of making it to the continental showpiece to be held in Morocco in January.  The two top from each of the seven groups qualify for the finals, along with the best third place-team.

           

“What I can tell you is that we have a very strong group of players and we have the same dream of playing in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year,” said Matete.

Likuena’s results in September

06/09/2014 Burkina Faso 2-0 Lesotho (Ouagadougou)

10/09/2014 Lesotho 1-1 Gabon (Maseru)

Upcoming fixtures

10/10/2014 Lesotho v Angola (Maseru)

15/10/2014 Angola v Lesotho (Luanda)

14/11/2014 Lesotho v Burkina Faso (Maseru)

19/11/2014 Gabon v Lesotho (Venue to be confirmed)

Likuena squad v Angola

Goalkeepers: Mohau Kuenane, Kananelo Makhooane, Kholuoe Phasumane, Liteboho Mokhesi

Defenders: Moitheri Ntobo (captain), Thabo Masualle, Jerry Kamele, Basia Makepe, Nkau Lerotholi, Tšoanelo Koetle, Sepiriti Malefane, Thapelo Mokhehle

Midfielders: Bushy Moletsane, Motlalepula Mofolo, Ralekoti Mokhahlane, Makara Ntaitsane, Jane Tšotleho, Mabuti Potloane, Phafa Tšosane, Lekhanya Lekhanya

Strikers: Thapelo Tale, Tšepo Lekhooana, Tšepo Seturumane, Thabiso Brown

2015 Afcon qualifying Group C

		P	W	D	L	F	A	D	Pts
1	Burkina Faso	2	2	0	0	5	0	+5	6
2	Gabon	2	1	1	0	2	1	+1	4
3	Lesotho	2	0	1	1	1	3	-2	1
4	Angola	2	0	0	2	0	4	-4	0