Likuena: Tšoanelo Koetle out, Phafa Tšosane in

Key Lesotho midfielder Tšoanelo Koetle will not be part of the Likuena team when they face Seychelles in the sides’ 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday.

Koetle was released from the national squad yesterday.

Absent... Midfielder Tšoanelo Koetle

The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) said Koetle was released last evening “when the team was about to receive their allowances”.

LeFA said the Lioli midfielder was released for “instigating rebellious conduct within the team”.

“(LeFA) management states that Mr Koetle was requesting allowances that are not within the Lesotho Football Association’s structure,” LeFA added.

Matlama midfielder Phafa Tšosane was called up to replace Koetle.

Koetle’s absence is a big setback for Lesotho. He was a sure starter on Saturday as Likuena look to get their first win of Group J.

Lesotho plays Seychelles again next week Tuesday at Setsoto Stadium at 15:00 and victories in both games would put Lesotho back in contention to qualify from Group J which also includes Algeria and Ethiopia.

Caretaker coach Moses Maliehe’s 18-man squad team departed from Bambatha Tšita Sports Complex at midday today for Johannesburg where they boarded their flight to Mahe, Seychelles.

The squad includes new faces with several players rewarded for their good form this season.

In attack, the frontline looks strong. Lioli’s Tumelo Khutlang has been one of the players of the season and recently scored four goals in one game against Mphatlalatsane. Lehlomela Ramabele has scored 10 league goals for Likhopo while United States based Tšotleho Jane has also been added to the striking mix.

Likuena Squad

Goalkeepers: Daniel Jousse (Lesotho Correctional Service) Liteboho Mokhehle (Lioli)

Defenders: Kopano Tseka, Basia Makepe, Bokang Sello, Mafa Moremoholo (Lioli), Nkesi Rankhasa (Matlama) Sepiriti Malefane (Bantu)

Midfielders: Jerry Kamela (Lioli), Hlompho Kalake (Bantu), Jane ThabaNtšo, Kefuoe Mahula, Phafa Tšosane (Matlama)

Strikers: Lehlomela Ramabele (Likhopo), Tumelo Khutlang (Lioli), Thabiso Brown and Motlalepula Chabeli (Kick4Life), Tšotleho Jane (Richmond Kickers, US)

Group J Standings

		P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts.
1.	Algeria	2	2	0	0	7	1	6	6
2.	Ethiopia	2	1	1	0	3	2	1	4
3.	Seychelles	2	0	1	1	1	5	-4	1
4.	Lesotho	2	0	0	2	2	5	-3	0