2018 World Cup Qualifying: Lesotho knocked out by Comoros

No smiles for Lesotho

Lesotho........1

Comoros......1

(1-1 on aggregate. Comoros wins on away goals rule)

Lesotho has been knocked out of 2018 World Cup qualifying at the first hurdle after a 1-1 aggregate loss to Comoros on Tuesday evening. The two sides played to a goalless draw in Comoros last week and Lesotho was expected to wrap-up the tie in the second leg at Setsoto Stadium.

However, Likuena succumbed to its most disappointing exit from international competition since losing to Sao Tome in 2012.

In fact, this defeat may be worse. Comoros are ranked 190th in the world and came into the two-legged tie on a 19-match winless streak. Indeed, the island nation has not won a match since a 2-1 victory against the Seychelles in 2009.

Lesotho took the lead in the 17th minute through Tšepo Seturumane. But a second half equaliser by Comoros proved to be the decider. Lesotho was unable to find a winning goal meaning its road to Russia 2018 is over at the earliest possible stage.

Comoros faces Ghana in the next round.

Lesotho’s next assignment is against Zimbabwe in the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Lesotho will play the first leg away on Sunday. The return is the following weekend at Setsoto.