2016 CHAN: Zimbabwe 3-1 Lesotho

Zimbabwe...... (0) 3

Lesotho.......... (0) 1

Man on form...
Likuena goal-scorer Tsepo Seturumane

Lesotho lost 3-1 to Zimbabwe in the first leg of the sides’ 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier this afternoon at the Balfourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

Likuena’s goal was scored by Tšepo Seturumane giving Lesotho some hope for the return leg.

Zimbabwe is very much in the driving seat, however, after a brace from Roderick Mutuma and a third goal from Danisa Phiri handed the Warriors a deserved victory at home.

The sides went into the break level after a scoreless first half but Zimbabwe broke the deadlock soon after the break when Mutuma converted from the penalty spot in the 48th minute. The hosts then doubled their lead in the in the 56th minute through Mutuma.

Seturumane pulled one back for Likuena in the 63rd minute to raise hopes of a comeback. The goal was Seturumane’s second in as many games for Lesotho. But, nine from the end, Phiri landed the killer blow with Zimbabwe’s third. The goal could prove crucial. It gives Zimbabwe a more comfortable cushion going into next weekend’s second leg at Setsoto Stadium. Lesotho has to score at least twice to go through.

The winner of the tie will qualify for the CHAN finals in Rwanda in January.

2016 CHAN: One change to Lesotho squad for Zimbabwe tie

Captain Experience
Moitheri Ntobo (in green)

Matlama goalkeeper Makhetha Thakeli has been called up to the Lesotho squad for Sunday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Zimbabwe. The young keeper has been called up as cover for first choice starter Mohau Kuenane and Sam Ketsekile after a string of good performances for Tse Putsoa.

Sunday’s CHAN clash has been set for Balfourfields Stadium in Bulawayo and Likuena left for Zimbabwe on Wednesday morning. The game comes hot on the heels of Lesotho’s disappointing exit from the 2018 World Cup qualifiers at the hands of Comoros on Tuesday.

Lesotho was knocked out after a 1-1 second leg draw at Setsoto Stadium meant Comoros advanced on away goals. Sunday’s CHAN qualifier against Zimbabwe is a chance to find some light after Tuesday’s dark clouds. A win in the two-legged tie would guarantee Lesotho a place at the CHAN finals in Rwanda in January.

It would be the first time Lesotho qualifies for a senior international tournament.

However, reaching the CHAN, which is only for home based players, will be a difficult challenge. Zimbabwe has a strong domestic league and the Warriors reached the semi-finals of the last edition held in 2014 in South Africa.

Likuena’s under-fire caretaker coach Seephephe Matete will have to do without Matlama’s Nkau Lerotholi and Bantu’s Litšepe Marabe. The duo left camp on Monday because they were undergoing police training but apart from drafting in Thakeli, Matete has made no other additions or subtractions to his squad. The team will once again be led by centre-back Moitheri Ntobo who was coaxed out of international retirement ahead of the World Cup tie against Comoros.

Lesotho versus Zimbabwe is one of three last round CHAN qualifiers in the Southern Zone. In other ties, South Africa faces Angola while Zambia meets Mozambique.

Aside from the Northern Zone qualifiers, which are being played in a league phase format, all first leg matches will be played this coming weekend (October 16-18). The return matches are set for October 23-25.

In a fortnight the final 16-team field for the 2016 CHAN in Rwanda will be decided.

CHAN qualifiers last round

Northern Zone

Final round of group stage matches – top two teams qualify for CHAN

19 October – Tunisia v Libya

22 October – Libya v Morocco

25 October – Tunisia v Morocco

West Zone A

Two aggregate winners qualify for CHAN

First leg – 16-18 October

Mali v Mauritania

Guinea v Senegal

Second leg – 23-25 October

Mauritania v Mali

Senegal v Guinea

West Zone B

Three aggregate winners qualify for CHAN

First leg – 16-18 October

Ghana v Ivory Coast

Nigeria v Burkina Faso

Niger v Togo

Second leg – 23-25 October

Ivory Coast v Ghana

Burkina Faso v Nigeria

Togo v Niger

Central Zone

Three aggregate winners qualify for CHAN

First leg – 16-18 October

DR Congo v Central African Republic

Cameroon v Congo

Chad v Gabon

Second leg – 23-25 October

Central African Republic v DR Congo

Congo v Cameroon

Gabon v Chad

Central-East Zone

Two aggregate winners qualify for CHAN

First leg – 16-18 October

Uganda v Sudan

Burundi v Ethiopia

Second leg – 23-25 October

Sudan v Uganda

Ethiopia v Burundi

Balfourfields Stadium
The venue for Sunday's CHAN qualifier between Zimbabwe
and Lesotho

Southern Zone

Three aggregate winners qualify for CHAN

First leg – 16-18 October

Zimbabwe v Lesotho

Zambia v Mozambique

South Africa v Angola

Second leg – 23-25 October

Lesotho v Zimbabwe

Mozambique v Zambia

Angola v South Africa

Likuena squad

Goalkeepers

Sam Ketsekile (LCS), Mohau Kuenane (Lioli), Makhetha Thakeli (Matlama)

Defenders

Jeremea Kamela (Lioli), Moitheri Ntobo (LCS), Thapelo Mokhehle (Bantu), Basia Makepe (Lioli)

Midfielders

Ralekoti Mokhahlane (LCS), Bokang Mothoana (Likhopo), Tšoanelo Koetle (Lioli), Hlompho Kalake (Bantu), Kefuoe Mahula (Matlama), Jane ThabaNtšo (Matlama), Bushy Moletsane (Lioli), Lekhanya Lekhanya (Lioli), Motlalepula Mofolo (Lioli)

Forwards

Tšepo Seturumane (LMPS), Nkoto Masoabi (Lioli), Thapelo Tale (Likhopo)