MASERU – Lesotho’s national football team, Likuena, faced a daunting challenge on Friday, October 11, 2024, as they took on Gabon in a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The match, held at Stade de Franceville, ended in a hard-fought goalless draw. While Gabon dominated the game with superior possession and a total of 20 shots, only four of them were on target. Likuena’s goalkeeper, Sekhoarane Moerane, proved to be the difference, making a series of critical saves to secure a valuable point for his team.
Gabon, known for their aggressive style of play, applied relentless pressure on Likuena throughout the match. However, Moerane’s defensive heroics kept Lesotho in contention, frustrating the Gabonese attack. Despite the strong defensive showing, discipline became an issue for Likuena, who committed 19 fouls and received 7 yellow cards. In contrast, Gabon remained composed and avoided any bookings, a testament to their ability to stay focused in the heat of the match.
Though both teams had opportunities to break the deadlock, neither side managed to capitalize, leaving the scoreline unchanged. The result leaves Likuena at the bottom of Group B with just one point from three matches, following earlier losses to the Central African Republic and Morocco. Their next fixture, another clash against Gabon scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, will be critical as Likuena seeks to revive their AFCON qualification hopes.
Focus on Discipline and Tactics
The seven yellow cards highlight the pressure the players were under, and this is something the coaches will look to address before the next game. A more focused and disciplined approach will be essential if Lesotho hopes to secure their first win in the qualifiers and climb up the group standings.
With their AFCON dreams hanging in the balance, the team’s ability to improve tactical execution and avoid unnecessary fouls will play a crucial role in their next match.
Lesotho’s Under-15 Teams in COSAFA Qualifiers
While the senior team was fighting to keep their AFCON hopes alive, Lesotho’s under-15 boys and girls teams were also representing the country on the international stage. Competing in the CAF African Schools Football Championship COSAFA Qualifiers, held in Namibia, the youth teams faced mixed results as they navigated the early stages of the tournament.
The competition kicked off on October 11, following the draw in Walvis Bay just days before. Both teams entered the tournament with high hopes, aiming to earn a spot in next year’s finals. Their campaigns began on a somewhat fortunate note, as they were awarded 3-0 default victories against Zambia, whose teams failed to show up for their initial fixtures. However, the celebrations were short-lived as both teams encountered tough opposition in their subsequent matches.
Tough Matches Against Malawi
The boys’ team, known as Bahlabani, suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Malawi, a result that highlighted the gap between the two sides. The girls’ team fared no better, enduring a 5-0 loss to the Malawi girls’ squad. These results underscored the challenges that Lesotho’s under-15 teams face as they compete against more experienced opponents.
Despite the setbacks, there is still hope for both teams as they prepare for their next matches. In the boys’ tournament, Lesotho sits in second place in Group A, tied with Zambia, while Malawi leads the group after their dominant performances. Namibia, the tournament hosts, occupy the bottom spot. The under-15 girls find themselves in third place, with Malawi and Namibia jointly leading their group. Zambia remains at the bottom, still without a point.
Upcoming Matches and High Stakes
Looking ahead, both the boys’ and girls’ teams will face Namibia on Saturday, October 12, in what could prove to be decisive matches for their chances of advancing to the semi-finals. The stakes are high, as the semi-finals are scheduled for later that same day, with the finals taking place on Sunday, October 13. A strong showing against Namibia could propel both Lesotho teams into the knockout stages, keeping their dreams of tournament success alive.
For the young players, this tournament offers more than just a chance at silverware—it provides invaluable experience on the international stage. Competing against teams from across the region will help these players grow and develop, preparing them for future opportunities in Lesotho’s football system.
Challenges and the Future of Lesotho Football
As both the senior and youth teams continue their respective campaigns, they face significant challenges that require resilience and tactical growth. For Likuena, the upcoming AFCON qualifier represents a critical moment in their journey. A victory could breathe new life into their qualification hopes, while a loss may all but end their campaign.
For the under-15 teams, the COSAFA Qualifiers offer an opportunity to gain exposure and build a foundation for future success. The experience gained in Namibia will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of footballers, who could one day represent Lesotho at the highest levels.
Both the senior team and the youth squads are united in their pursuit of footballing success. As they continue their respective journeys on the international stage, the resilience of the players, the dedication of the coaching staff, and the support of their nation will be crucial in overcoming the challenges ahead. Lesotho football may face difficult times, but the potential for growth and improvement remains bright.
