By Mikia Kalati

MASERU — Likuena coach, Leslie Notši, has praised his team after a five star performance that saw them come from a goal down to beat Sudan 3-1 in their last 2014 World cup qualifier match played in Khartoum late on Sunday.

The Lesotho mentor said he is out of words to describe his team’s performance under the hot weather conditions in the East African country.

“I’m aware that it was always going to be tough playing Sudan in their own backyard and trying to acclimatise to their weather conditions,” said Notši.

“They scored as early as the third minute into the game and coming back to win the match away from home just tells you about the desire and the determination of the team.

Notši said he was impressed by star player Bokang Mothoana who came back into the team after suffering an injury against South Africa in May and was able to give a man-of-the-match performance.

Mothoana played in the holding midfield position in the absence of injured duo of Ralekoti Mokhahlane and Motlalepula Mofolo.

“The team was just outstanding from the goalkeeper to the strikers.

“They were never bothered by the home supporters and seemed to have matured having played against top teams such as Ghana and Zambia,” said Notši.

“The Likuena coach said the partnership of Mothoana, Bushy Moletsane and Tšoanelo Koetle in the heart of the midfield was very instrumental in the win over Sudan.

He said a new striking combination of last season premier league player of the year, Tšepo Seturumane who scored the first goal and Tšepo Lekhoana was also excellent.

“I think all the three goals that we scored were out of this world, the combination play as well as the finishes. They were all classy goals,” he said.

The former Matlama and Lioli coach said he was mostly impressed by the competition in the team as Thapelo Tale who was the team’s top goal scorer at the recent Cosafa Cup started the match on the bench alongside star winger Litšepe Marabe who is now based in South Africa with first division side United FC.

Notši also heaped praises on Linare’s Mabuti Potloane who came off the bench to assist Lekhoana and Koetle assist in the second and third goals respectively.

“These boys played their hearts out for their country and we should be very proud of them because they continue to grow and become better players,” Notši said.

“There is more room for improvement and I’m confident that we can get better with more competitive football against the best sides in the continent,” he said.