Lesotho…………(0) 0
Botswana………(0) 0
MASERU — If there is one thing Likuena coach Zavisa Milosavljevic will have learnt from this match, it’s that there is a lot of work still to be done.
In a frustratingly tepid performance, Likuena encapsulated all the ills which have haunted the national team recently.
At times dazzling, often woeful, Lesotho ultimately only managed to scrape a goalless draw against an under-strength, under-age Botswana side.
The only positive for Milosavljevic is that Likuena managed to arrest a run of three consecutive losses.
“I’m happy,” Milosavljevic said after the game. “We saw a better Lesotho team. We saw a Likuena team that had passion.”
The passion was there.
However the quality one might have expected never quite materialised.
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In a tetchy, scratchy first half, neither side seemed comfortable in possession on LCS’s Central Prison ground, the build-ups too ponderous or rushed.
The result was a half devoid of clear goal-scoring chances.
Those that did come were hopelessly shanked by both teams — to the disappointment of a sizeable crowd.
It took 44 minutes for Likuena to properly test Botswana’s keeper, Moli Lesesa’s rasping left-foot shot well tipped over by the impressive Noah Mapose.
The second half was a better affair. Lesotho improved as well.
The half-time introduction of forward Thapelo Tale added life to Likuena’s attack.
However a lack of precision in the final third let them down.
Likuena’s best opportunity of the second half came from a corner, Mpitsa Marai’s header smothered by Mapose.
In fact Botswana had the better chances to win the game, Mokgathi Mokgathi hitting the crossbar in the 50th minute and Thibe Maiketso’s 59th minute shot well saved by Sam Kestekile.
“The negative was our final pass and our finishing. That is Likuena’s biggest problem,” Milosavljevic said in assessment.
Teams
Lesotho (4-4-2): Sam Ketsekile 6 – Thabo Masualle 7, Mpitsa Marai 6, Thapelo Mokhehle 7, Khoto Sesinyi (captain) 6 – Motlalepula Mofolo 6, Moli Lesesa 7, Nyakhane Nyakhane 7*, Lire Phiri 5 (Tsepo Lekhoona 84th) – Sello Muso 5 (Refiloe Potse 76th), Neo Makama 5 (Thapelo Tale 46th 7)
Botswana (4-4-2): Noah Mapose 7 – Mpoeleng Mpoeleng 6, Mompali Thuma (captain) 7*, Mmusa Ohilwe 6, Ramohibidu Mosimanegape 7 – Thibe Maiketso 7, Boitumelo Maforo 6 (Mandla Ngoalle 67th 6), Barolong Lemmengane 6, Lemponye Tshibeletso 6 (Moreetse Mosimanyane 87th) – Mokgathi Mokgathi 7, Mogakololi Ngele 7 (Elijah Montsho 67th 6)