Fiery test for Likuena

MASERU – Lesotho faces a do-or-die acid test against African giants Ivory Coast in Johannesburg, South Africa, this afternoon. The match is Likuena’s second of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and the side’s first meeting with the West Africa nation who are also hosts of next year’s AFCON.

Likuena go into the game needing a positive result after a 2-0 loss to Comoros in their opening qualifier last Friday. A loss would leave Lesotho already playing catch up in Group H where Ivory Coast, Zambia and Comoros all have three points while Likuena sit at the bottom with zero points.

Speaking ahead of today’s game, Likuena head coach Veselin Jelusic said he expects Ivory Coast to dominate ball possession, create chances and put his side under pressure because of their superior quality and professionalism.

“As you know, all the players we are facing are professionals who play for strong European clubs and leagues, and due to their quality, we can expect their dominance in terms of ball possession and great pressure on our goal throughout the game,” Likuena’s Serbian coach said.

Because Ivory Coast are hosts of next year’s finals, they already have a spot at the 2023 AFCON which means only one of Lesotho, Comoros and Zambia will join them. The race started last Friday with Ivory Coast beating Zambia 3-1 and Comoros defeating Lesotho. Zambia then edged Comoros 2-1 on Tuesday.

Velusic said today Likuena will rely mostly on counterattacks and his tactics will focus on neutralising the Elephants’ attacking prowess.

Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset has named a strong squad for these qualifiers with Crystal Palace forward Wilfred Zaha leading the Elephants squad while highly-rated Ajax Amsterdam striker Sebastien Haller is also expected to play.

“In such a situation what we can do is defend in an organised and persistent manner and try to neutralise their attack as much as possible, and at the same time try to use some of the opportunities for counterattacks,” Velusic said.

Likuena will be hoping to pull off their plans with striker Katleho Makateng who missed last Friday’s game against Comoros. The recently crowned Vodacom Premier League golden boot winner has been training with the team in South Africa but Jelusic said Likuena’s coaching team still have to decide whether he is fit enough to face Ivory Coast.

“Unfortunately, due to injury, Makateng was not able to train with us until two days ago, that means caution on his inclusion into the team. It is possible he will come into the game but we are still going to decide on that,” Velusic said.

In the end, today’s match will be a valuable test for Lesotho against players who are playing for some of the best clubs in world football. For many it might be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“We cannot complain about the spirit of our players,” Velusic said.

“We must maintain focus and tactical discipline throughout the game because professional players immediately punish any naivety in defence.”

Tlalane Phahla