The COSAFA Cup 2024 kicked off with an intense and closely contested match between Likuena and Seychelles, resulting in a 1-1 draw at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Friday afternoon. Both teams put on a spirited display, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting group stage in Group C.
Likuena started the match on the front foot, demonstrating their attacking intent from the first whistle, dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Their early dominance paid off when Jane Thabantso found the back of the net in the 19th minute, giving Likuena a deserved lead. Throughout the first half, Likuena created numerous attacks to extend their lead, amassing nine goal attempts, though only three were on target. Despite their relentless pressure, they could not find a way to increase their advantage before the break.
The second half saw Likuena make changes, including the introduction of 19 year old Paseka Maile, who made his debut for the Lesotho national team. Maile, a talented winger from Kick4Life, was called up by coach Leslie Notsi to replace the injured winger, Tšepang Sefali. Maile’s inclusion in the squad was well-deserved, as he recently won the Player of the Tournament award in this year’s Nedbank 8 Cup playing for Kick4Life Juventude, marking him as a rising star and the youngest player on the national team.
As the second half progressed, Likuena continued to exert pressure on the Seychelles defense but struggled to convert their chances into goals. Seychelles gradually found their rhythm and began to challenge Likuena’s dominance. In the 70th minute, Seychelles’ midfielder Lorenzo Hoareau capitalized on a lapse in the Likuena defense to score the equalizer, bringing the score to 1-1.
The draw means both teams earn a point each in their first match of Group C. Jane Thabantso’s goal was particularly noteworthy as it saw him equal Motebang Sera’s record as Lesotho’s all-time leading goal-scorer in the COSAFA Cup, with both players now having seven goals. They are tied with Mozambique legend Manuel ‘Tico Tico’ Bucuane and are one goal behind Zimbabwean legend Peter Ndlovu. Additionally, they are two goals behind Eswatini’s Felix Badenhorst, the COSAFA Cup’s all-time leading scorer with nine goals.
The other Group C match between Angola and Namibia ended in a 0-0 stalemate, leaving all four teams in the group tied with one point each. The next round of matches promises more excitement as Likuena will face Namibia on Monday, July 1st, while Seychelles will take on Angola on the same day.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more interesting encounters and standout performances from both seasoned players and emerging talents like Paseka Maile. The opening match has set a high standard, fans will stand behind and support their nations while they battle it out for a spot in the knockout stages of the COSAFA Cup 2024.
