The Lesotho National Under 20 Football team, known as Makoanyane XI, opened their COSAFA group stage qualifiers with a challenging match, suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to U-20 Comoros on Friday, September 27, 2024. The encounter took place at ABB Stadium 2 in Mozambique, and the match kickedoff at 12 PM.
Despite the defeat, Makoanyane XI showcased promise throughout the match, particularly in the first half where they created numerous scoring opportunities. Left winger Paseka Maile emerged as a standout player, frequently threatening the Comoros defense. However, his efforts were hampered by delayed passes and a lack of support in the final third. Makoanyane XI’s inability to capitalize on their chances was evident, leading to missed opportunities that could have changed the game’s outcome.
The team’s young goalkeeper, Leduma Mofoka, was anotherbright spot in an otherwise disappointing match. Mofoka made several impressive saves that kept Lesotho in contention, he definetly demonstrated his growing reputation in Lesotho football.
As the match progressed, Makoanyane XI lost momentum in the second half, allowing Comoros to seize control. The turning point came in the 81st minute when 21-year-old French-based striker Ben-Chayeel Hamada scored the decisive goal for Comoros, sealing the match at 1-0.
In a post-match interview, Comoros’ coach, Youssouf Samirdine, acknowledged his team’s lackluster performance in the first half but praised their resurgence after halftime. He expressed respect for the Lesotho side and emphasized the importance of their opening win in the tournament.
Conversely, Makoanyane XI’s coach, Halemakale, reflected on the match with a mix of pride and disappointment. He highlighted the significant chances his team missed in the first half that they could have used to kill the game off early and noted that their relaxed demeanor in the second half contributed to the late goal conceded. Halemakale pointed out the challenges faced by some players who are also preparing for upcoming school exams, affecting their training schedules ahead of their COSAF campaign. He remains optimistic and plans to emphasize concentration and discipline during matches as the team prepares for their next matches.
Looking ahead, Makoanyane XI is set to face South Africa U-20 on Sunday, September 29, at 3 PM, followed by a clash with Malawi on Tuesday, October 1, at the same time.
South Africa currently leads Group C after a commanding 5-0 victory over Malawi, with Comoros in second place. Lesotho and Malawi share the bottom spot, putting pressure onMakoanyane XI to secure crucial points in their upcoming fixtures.
As the tournament progresses, Makoanyane XI will need to build on their early performances and capitalize on the opportunities that arise if they hope to advance in the competition.
