Likuena douse Flames

MASERU – Likuena got their 2022 COSAFA Cup campaign off to a flying start by beating Malawi 2-1 in their opening game yesterday in Durban, South Africa.

With only one team sure of progressing to the next round, it is a crucial three points for Lesotho who face Mauritius on Friday in their next Group B game.

The other side in the pool is Eswatini whom Likuena will play in their final group game on Sunday.

Likuena will now be optimistic of progressing to the quarter-finals after an impressive win over a fancied Malawi side that competed at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year.
Man of the moment Katleho Makateng was in top form again.

Firstly, he was the in the thick of the action when Lesotho took the lead in the 14th minute after a goal-mouth scramble. Although the Lesotho Defence Force hitman got a vital touch on the ball, the strike was credited as an own goal.

The goal-hungry Makateng, however, was not to be denied on the scoresheet and he doubled Likuena’s lead in the 56th minute after another defensive error from Malawi.

The victory puts Likuena in second place on goal difference behind Eswatini who beat Mauritius 3-0 earlier in the day.

Speaking afterwards Likuena coach Veselin Jelusic applauded his charges for sticking to the game-plan.
“We expected a very tough match because we know Malawi are very strong, aggressive and play attractive football and we knew the match was going to be tough,” the Serbia mentor said.

“It’s a sport we must have faith we must wait until the end of the game and fortunately for us we won the game despite them playing good football and creating chances.”
Malawi went into the game as favourites and had the better of the game in terms of possession. Likuena, however, were the sharper side going forward. Jelusic’s side used their strengths upfront and, crucially, they were clinical with their chances when they got behind Malawi’s defence.

If it was not for a sloppy goal conceded near the end of the game, Likuena’s defence would have received a ‘five-star’ rating, but that will be knocked down to four.
The defence marshalled by Basia Makepe had Malawi’s strikers right where they wanted them and it was obvious the opposing strikers were frustrated.

Meanwhile, Likuena goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane grew in confidence with every minute played as he calmly collected every ball that went into the penalty area.
A lack of communication almost brought Malawi back into the game late on as Chiukepo Msowoya pulled one back and that is one fault Likuena will have to rectify because the goal briefly gave Malawi confidence that they could get an equaliser.

However, Likuena held on to claim a priceless victory and Makateng was once again the toast of the town.
Makateng is having the time of his life in what is still his debut season in Lesotho’s top-flight league.

He was named the Vodacom Premier League’s player of the season two weeks ago at the end of season awards and, what is even more impressive about him, is that he has been able to transfer his club form to the national team.

The energetic 23-year-old striker was a thorn in Malawi’s defence all game and he was even at the back defending Likuena’s lead towards the end of the game. It was not a surprise Makateng was named Man-of-the-Match.

Likuena starting 11:
Moerane, Mkhwanazi, Rasethuntša, Tseka, Makepe, Lebokollane, Malane (Toloane 69’), Mafatle, Sera, Makateng, Thabantšo (Mokokoane 79’)

Substitutes:
Chaba (GK), Silase (GK), Ramabele, Lenka, Mokokoane, Toloane, Makha, Senkoto, Matsau, Fothoane, Mopeli, Lintša

Tlalane Phahla