Buoyant Lesotho arrive for Stars game
Kenya under-20s forward Timothy Otieno (right) vies for the ball with Mohau Rammoneng of Lesotho during the Cosafa U20 Youth Championship at Mafeteng Stadium in Lesotho on December 6, 2013. Lesotho's national football team arrived in the country on August 1, 2014, for their match against Harambee Stars on August 3, 2014, at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The team’s head coach Seephephe “Mochini” Matete, whose side holds a slim 1-0 lead from the first leg encounter two weeks ago, said they are here to win Sunday’s match and progress to the group stages of the qualifiers.
- Lesotho beat Liberia 2-1 in the first round of the qualifiers and Matete believes his team deserves to be in the group stages where Burkina Faso, Angola and Gabon lie in wait.
The Lesotho national football team arrived in the country Friday morning and promptly declared that they will get past Harambee Stars in the second leg of the preliminary round qualifiers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
The team’s head coach Seephephe “Mochini” Matete, whose side holds a slim 1-0 lead from the first leg encounter two weeks ago, said they are here to win Sunday’s match and progress to the group stages of the qualifiers.
Tšepo Seturumane, who scored the match winner in Maseru, is in the team as well as midfielder Tšotleho Jane who plays professional football in America. Also in the team are Kananelo Makhooane, Mabuti Potloane and Moitheri Ntobo.
Seturumane said he expects a tough game in Nairobi.
“I know it will not be easy because Kenya are playing at home in front of their fans,” Seturumane said.
But coach Matete opined that aggregate victory is within his team’s reach.
DOUBLE OVER KENYA
“We know a draw will see us through, but I am looking to do a double over Kenya,” said Matete as team checked into their hotel.
“We know the weaknesses of the Kenyans which we exposed during the first leg. We are looking forward to doing the same on Sunday. We have an advantage which we will guard with our lives,” he added.
While appreciating the fact that Kenya played well in Maseru, Matete said the one goal cushion compel Kenya to play an open game that will leave them exposed at the back giving his side more opportunities.
Lesotho beat Liberia 2-1 in the first round of the qualifiers and Matete believes his team deserves to be in the group stages where Burkina Faso, Angola and Gabon lie in wait.
According to Matete, Sunday’s game will be won in the midfield where he says Kenya were dominant in the first leg.
“We gave Kenya so much respect but when we settled down, we managed to get a goal. That goal has given us the confidence we need ahead of Sunday’s match.”
Lesotho has never qualified to the Africa Cup of Nations while Kenya has made five appearances, the last one being in ten years ago in Tunisia.
Cameroonian referee Aurelien Wandji has been named to officiate the match assisted by countrymen Yanoussa Moussa and Joseph Lambi. Rwanda’s Kaijuka Gaspard will be the match commissioner.
Lesotho squad: Kananelo Makhooane, Mohau Kuenane, Sepiriti Malefane, Nkau Lerotholi, Basia Makepe, Moitheri Ntobo, Ralekoti Mokhahlane and Mabuti Potloane.
Litšoane Koetle, Lekhanya Lekhanya, Motlalepula Mofolo, Tšepo Seturumane, Bushy Moletsane, Phafa Tšosane, Thapelo Tale, Tšepo Lekhoana, Thabo Masualle, Tšotleho Paul Jane and Jeremane Jeremea Kamela.
Officials: Seephephe Matete, Khiba Mohoanyane, Halemakale Mahlaha, Refiloe Moroke, Mzwakhe Mothala, Ketsibile Phatsoane, Matsoai Shokhoe.
This story first appeared on SportOn!
