Lesotho facing leftback crisis ahead of Uganda AFCON tie

Bokang Sello will miss Saturday's crucial AFCON 2019 qualifier against Uganda...

Lesotho coach Moses Maliehe is facing a crisis at leftback ahead of Saturday’s 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier away against Uganda.

First choice leftback Bokang Sello of Bantu will miss the game at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Kampala due to suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in Likuena’s opening two qualifiers.

To add to Maliehe’s woes: Lesia Thetsane, who is playing in United States college football for Columbia College, is also unavailable because of academic commitments.

Thetsane was Lesotho’s first choice at leftback during the team’s run to third place at the COSAFA Cup in July but also missed last month’s 1-1 AFCON 2019 qualifying draw with Cape Verde.

Maliehe admitted he has a conundrum on his hands.

“It’s a headache at the moment that Sello is not available for the game against Uganda because Thetsane will also not be available like was the case against Cape Verde,” Maliehe said.

Maliehe will likely shift captain Mafa Moremoholo from rightback to left side of defence with Kopano Tseka moving into the line-up at rightback.

“It’s a bit of a problem but we will surely find answers from the available players,” Maliehe said.

Lesotho’s 19-man squad will leave for Uganda on Thursday and will return on Sunday. Likuena faces Uganda again next Tuesday at Setsoto Stadium in the home leg of the Group L qualifying fixture. Sello is expected to return for next week’s tie.

Likuena Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Samuel Khetsekile (LCS), Likano Mphuthi (LDF), Mohau Kuenane (free agent)

Defenders:

Kopano Tseka (Lioli), Mafa Moremoholo (Lioli), Nkau Lerotholi (LMPS), Basia Makepe (LMPS)

Midfielders:

Tšepo Toloane (LDF), Tshwarelo Bereng (Black Leopards, SA), Tšotleho Jane (free agent), Hlompho Kalake (Bantu), Luciano Matsoso (Black Leopards, SA), Mabuti Potloane (Matlama), Tumelo Khutlang (Black Leopards, SA), Jane Thaba-Ntšo (Matlama)

Strikers:

Masoabi Nkoto (Real Kings, SA), Motebang Sera (Matlama), Setho Moshoeshoe (LCS), Thapelo Tale (LCS)