Moses Maliehe names Likuena squad for Algeria tie

Namibia joy to continue in Algeria?

Lesotho caretaker coach Moses Maliehe has selected a 19-man squad to face Algeria next month in the team’s final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

It is exactly the same squad that did well in June’s COSAFA Castle Cup in Namibia where Lesotho reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champions South Africa on penalties. The team will once again be captained by recent LMPS recruit Basia Makepe.

Likuena’s tie against Algeria will be played on September 4 in Algiers. Likuena have already been ruled out of contention to qualify for next year’s finals in Gabon.

Lesotho is bottom of Group J with three points after five games. That qualifying spot has gone to Algeria which secured its spot at Gabon 2017 in the last round of matches.

Algeria is the top ranked team in Africa and is rated 32nd in FIFA’s world rankings. Lesotho is 47th in Africa and 146th in the world.

Lesotho squad to face Algeria

Goalkeepers: Liteboho Mokhehle (Lioli), Daniel Jousse (LCS)

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

Midfielders: Jerry Kamela, Montoeli Sonopo (both Lioli), Mabuti Potloane, Jane Thaba-Ntšo, Phafa Tšosane, Kefuoe Mahula (all Matlama), Thabo Seakhoa (LCS), Hlompho Kalake (Bantu)

Strikers: Motebang Sera (Matlama), Tumelo Khutlang, Tšepo Seturumane (both Lioli)

Lesotho AFCON2017 qualifying results

Ethiopia 2-1 Lesotho (14/06/15)

Lesotho 1-3 Algeria (06/09/15)

Seychelles 2-0 Lesotho (26/03/16)

Lesotho 2-1 Seychelles (29/03/16)

Lesotho 1-2 Ethiopia (05/06/16)

Group J

		P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts.
1	Algeria	5	4	1	0	19	5	14	13
2	Ethiopia	5	2	2	1	9	13	-4	8
3	Seychelles	5	1	1	3	4	9	-5	4
4	Lesotho	5	1	0	4	5	10	-5	3