Likuena, the finalists of the last edition, saw their COSAFA 2024 campaign come to an abrupt end in the group stage, much to the dismay of their fans. The journey began with high hopes but quickly spiraled into disappointment, culminating in a series of unfortunate results that led to their early exit.
Likuena’s campaign kicked off with a 1-1 draw against Seychelles last Friday. The match, considered a golden opportunity to build momentum, saw Jane Thabantso give Likuena the lead in the 19th minute. However, they failed to capitalize on their numerous chances, allowing Seychelles’ Lorenzo Hoareau to equalize in the 70th minute. This draw against the group’s perceived underdogs set a worrying tone for Likuena’s subsequent matches.
The situation worsened on Monday when Likuena faced Namibia at the Wolfson Stadium. Namibia, hungry for victory, pressed Likuena relentlessly from the start. Their efforts bore fruit in the 38th minute when Ivan Kamberipa scored following a failed clearance by Likuena. Nine minutes into the second half, Neo Mokhachane brought Likuena back into the game with a crucial equalizer. However, Likuena could not withstand Namibia’s continued pressure, and Black Leopards’ striker Bethuel Muzeu scored the winning goal, sealing a 2-1 victory for Namibia.
Likuena’s fate was sealed on Wednesday, July 3rd, in their crucial match against Angola at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Knowing that only a win would suffice, Likuena started brightly, with Lehlohonolo Fothoane scoring an early goal. However, their lead was short-lived as Angola’s Depú equalized from the penalty spot. The second half saw Angola intensify their efforts, and Nanque scored in the 63rd minute to give Angola the lead. In the dying moments of the match, Sekhoane Moerane received a red card, and Angola was awarded a second penalty, which Miro converted, ending the match 3-1. This defeat left Likuena at the bottom of Group C, sharing the spot with Seychelles, while Angola and Namibia topped the group with three points each.
Adding to their woes, on Thursday, July 4th, the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 draw was conducted by Côte d’Ivoire national team head coach Emerse Faé and Moroccan legend Marouane Chamakh. A total of 48 nations participated in the qualifiers draw. Likuena were drawn into Group B, alongside host nation Morocco, Gabon, and the Central African Republic. Facing the hosting nation again in consecutive tournaments, Likuena will have to navigate a tough qualifying path to make their mark in the next edition.
The COSAFA 2024 journey ended in disappointment for Likuena, but the upcoming qualifiers for AFCON 2025 present a new opportunity. As they regroup and prepare, Likuena will have to aim to learn from their setbacks and strive for better results on the continental stage.
