Flashback: Likuena and the Lone Stars

Hostile Territory
Likuena's Thapelo Tale (right) in Monrovia

Yesterday was #ThrowbackThursday, today is #FlashbackFriday.

So, flashback to May 18, 2014 when Likuena played in front of a packed house in Monrovia against Liberia’s Lone Stars.

The match was the first leg of a preliminary qualifier for the 2015 African Cup of Nations and the home side ran out 1-0 winners.

Afterwards, then caretaker Lesotho coach Seephephe Matete said: “To lose 1-0 away is a good result. There is nothing that can stand in our way to qualify but I can say that the return leg in Maseru is a 50-50 chance.”

Lesotho went into the game in Monrovia as slight underdogs against a strong Liberia side that included the likes of Anthony Laffor of Mamelodi Sundowns as well as Sherman Kpah and Isaac Pupo.

It was Kpah and Laffor who combined for Liberia’s winning goal with Laffor finishing off a good build-dup in the 40th minute.

However, the Lone Stars could not get a second goal despite the backing of a full house at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. Likuena’s defence marshalled by Sepiriti Malefane, Nkau Lerotholi, Basia Makepe and Bokang Mothoana put in a heroic effort to protect goalkeeper Kananelo Makhooane and keep the tie alive.

“We are sure to turn the tables in our favour in Maseru,” Matete said after the game, and his confidence was proved to be correct.

Lesotho won the second leg 2-0 two weeks later at Setsoto Stadium thanks to two early goals, from Mabuti Potloane in the second minute and an own goal by Oliseh Sekou three minutes later.

Lesotho went on to beat Kenya 1-0 on aggregate in the next round to qualify for the group stages. However, Likuena finished bottom of their group behind Burkina Faso, Gabon and Angola.

Lesotho starting line-up in Monrovia: Kananelo Makhooane - Sepiriti Malefane, Nkau Lerotholi, Basia Makepe, Bokang Mothoana - Tšoanelo Koetle, Motlalepula Mofolo, Bushy Moletsane, Lekhanya Lekhanya, Mabuti Potloane, Makara Ntaitsane - Tšepo Seturumane

Sub: Likano Mphuthi, Phafa Tšosane, Bokang Sello, Thapelo Tale, Tšepo Lekhoana, Moitheri Ntobo