Burundi . . . . . . .(1) 2
Lesotho . . . . . . . (1) 2
Lesotho wins 3-2 on aggregate
MASERU — Lesotho are through to the 2014 World Cup qualifying group stages after holding Burundi to a two-all draw in a return tie in Bujumbura on Tuesday.
Lesotho secured victory after goals from Bokang Mothoana and Thapelo Tale in what was the most notable result of Africa’s preliminary qualifiers.
Likuena went into the encounter 1-0 up from the first leg last Friday at Setsoto Stadium, a win that was typified by determination and inspired by a late Lehlomela Ramabele goal.
The draw in the second leg ensured the job was completed, giving Lesotho a 3-2 win on aggregate.
Lesotho will now go into Group D of World Cup qualifiers alongside continental giants Ghana, Zambia and Sudan.
Only one side out of that minefield will progress to the last round of the playoffs.
The qualifiers will kick off in June 2012.
On Tuesday, Likuena coach Leslie Notši made two changes to the line-up bringing in Tlali Maile for Bushy Moletsane who suffered a muscle pull in last Friday’s first leg.
Maile played in front of the back four, patrolling in front of the impressive defence of Thabo Masualle, Nkau Lerotholi, Bokang Mothoana and captain Moitheri Ntobo.
In midfield Motlalepula Mofolo, Ralekoti Mokhahlane and Katleho Moleko played in an almost diamond shape in front of Maile with Ralekoti covering the right, Mofolo in the centre and Moleko stationed on the left.
In the other change to the starting side, Thapelo Tale partnered Lehlomela Ramabele upfront, replacing Thulo Ranchobe after an impressive cameo in the first leg.
Notši’s moves paid early dividends as Mothoana gave Lesotho the lead midway through the first half.
It was a crucial blow struck by Lesotho courtesy of a player who had shown glimpses of class in the first leg.
The goal left Burundi needing to score three times in order to advance, a difficult task in any book.
However, Burundi replied almost immediately through Cedric Amissi and then laid siege to the Lesotho goal.
But a resolute defensive effort by the team kept the hosts at bay.
It was only until the 88th minute that Burundi were able to forge a breakthrough when they were awarded a penalty.
Yamin Ndikumana converted the spot-kick. Finger nails were being bitten left, right and centre by Likuena supporters at this point.
But that wasn’t the end of scoring, and Tale made sure of Likuena’s win with a late strike leaving Lesotho to celebrate an excellent victory.
