We’re ready for Ethiopia: Kamela

Luciah Phahla

Maseru

Lesotho midfielder Jeremea Kamela says the national side is ready for next Sunday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Ethiopia at Setsoto Stadium.

Likuena are out for payback after the ‘Wallias’ won the first encounter 2-1 last June with a second half comeback after Lesotho had taken the lead into the break.

Kamela said Likuena have studied Ethiopia’s strengths and weaknesses and are looking to claim a second win in Group J.

Lesotho is bottom of the group with three points from four games and is out of the qualifying race. Algeria leads the group with 10 points and the ‘Desert Foxes’ are in pole position to secure a spot at the Gabon 2017 showpiece.

Nevertheless, speaking last week, Likuena caretaker coach Moses Maliehe urged his charges to finish their campaign on a high.

In March, the team claimed its first Group J win and first international victory in a year with a 2-1 success over Seychelles at Setsoto.

Kamela said Likuena are looking to build on that triumph.

The Lioli star was speaking to thepost after playing in last Saturday’s 2-1 friendly loss to Botswana. He said the tie at the Serowe Sports Complex in Botswana was perfect preparation for next week’s test.

“I think we are ready as a team for Ethiopia. I was part of the team that went to Ethiopia and I personally studied their strengths and weaknesses,” Kamela said.

“Their style of play is more or less that of Botswana and if we contained Botswana for a full 90 minutes I also think we can do the same with Ethiopia. They like playing outside (on the wings) and inside (in the midfield), so I think we can match them.”

Reflecting on the defeat to Botswana, Kamela said Likuena dominated the game but were undone by refereeing decisions.

Even so, he credited the trip saying it gave the side a chance to test combinations and correct mistakes before hosting Ethiopia.

“We dominated the game (against Botswana), we were the better team on the day but their linesman decided that they win. However, the game helped us a lot; it helped us identify our weaknesses and mistakes that we need to work on before the Ethiopia game,” Kamela said.

“If you look at the (Likuena) team, it’s a new team and for most of the guys this level is quite higher than (the level) that they played at (Under-20). But, I always say that a team that has prepared well on the day will win the game,” he added.

Immediately after playing Ethiopia, Likuena will head to Namibia for the 2016 COSAFA Castle Cup which is scheduled for June 11 until 25.

Likuena have been drawn in Group B and they kick-start their campaign against Mauritius on June 12. Two days later Lesotho meets Angola before its final group game against Malawi on June 16.

The winner of Group B will face South Africa in the quarterfinals.

Lesotho’s COSAFA Castle Cup fixtures:

Lesotho vs. Mauritius (June 12)

Angola vs. Lesotho (June 14)

Malawi vs. Lesotho (June 16)