COSAFA Cup: Likuena make it two from two

Tšepo Seturumane (left) celebrates with goalscorer Tumelo Khutlang

Lesotho beat Angola 2-0 this evening at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia to make it two wins from two games at the 2016 COSAFA Castle Cup.

It was another promising display from Moses Maliehe’s young side and goals either side of halftime from Tumelo Khutlang and Hlompho Kalake mean Likuena are within touching distance of the quarterfinals.

Depending on the result in the later match between Malawi and Mauritius, Lesotho could need just a point from the final game against Malawi to win Group B and advance to Saturday’s quarterfinal against South Africa.

Maliehe made one change to the side that beat Mauritius 3-0 on Sunday with Sepiriti Malefane replacing Jeremea Kamela in defence. The adjustment saw Malefane start at rightback and Mafa Moremoholo shift to leftback.

The change didn’t disrupt the team, however, and Likuena, marshalled in central defence by Lioli pair Basia Makepe and Kopano, were solid at the back and from time to time looked very encouraging in attack.

And, just as they did against Mauritius on Sunday, Likuena got off to the blistering start when Tumelo Khutlang gave Lesotho the lead after 11 minutes. From there Likuena tried to grab a stranglehold of the game with Kefuoe Mahula once again impressing in the heart of midfield.

Angola did find some joy down the flanks with their speedy wingers and Lesotho had a scare in the 34th minute when Fortunato went down in the box. However, his appeals for a penalty were correctly waved away by the referee after a well-timed challenge from Makepe.

Mabuti Potloane challenged by Angola's Antonio Nzayinawo  

The second half wasn’t as assured as the first but Lesotho made sure of all three points in the 80th minute when Hlompho Kalake doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Two minutes later Angola skipper Antonio Nzayinawo was sent off for a second bookable offence and it was game over.

Angola know they will be heading home after Thursday’s final group games while Likuena can go to sleep tonight dreaming of a place in the last eight and a mouth-watering tie against South Africa.

Starting line-ups:

Lesotho XI (4-5-1): Daniel Jousse - Sepiriti Malefane, Basia Makepe ©, Kopano Tseka, Mafa Moremoholo - Hlompho Kalake, Mabuti Potloane, Kefuoe Mahula, Jane Thaba-Ntšo (Seakhoa 58’), Tumelo Khutlang - Tšepo Seturumane (Sera 63’)

Subs: Liteboho Mokhehle, Bokang Sello, Phafa Tšosane, Sera Motebang, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, Montoeli Sonopo, Thabo Seakhoa

Angola XI: Eduardo Joao Bunga, Pedro Alves, Antonio Nzayinawo, Fernando Quissanga, Nelson Mudile, Carlos do Carmo, Joao Oliveira, Nelson da Luz, Herenilson de Carmo, Gasper Fortunato, Paulinho Nguendelamba.

Subs: Miguel Landu, Atanasio Monteiro, Joaquim Balanga, Vladimiro Felix, Daniel Jonata, Tome Pedro, Jose da Silva, Zinadine Catraio, Alberto Miguel.