MASERU — After 12 forgettable months, Likuena have finally managed to put a small smile on the nation’s faces – albeit after securing away draws against Swaziland.
Not only did Likuena score their first goal after going for 450 minutes without finding the net, they scored two in as many games.
Lesotho’s national team arrived home on Monday after what can be described as a fairly successful voyage to Swaziland considering their pathetic displays in the last year.
They faced Sihlangu in two friendly matches last Friday and Sunday and drew both 1-1.
The results are likely to be seen as a good base for the team to build on.
Reports from Swaziland indicated Likuena had put in spirited displays, even without their influential captain Lehlohonolo Seema as well as the key duo of Moitheri Ntobo and Bokang Mothoana.
Before leaving for Swaziland, Likuena coach Zavisa Milosavljevic had promised to employ a more attacking style.
That could have worked as Likuena took the lead in both games.
After returning home, the Serb said he was satisfied with the weekend performance.
“I am satisfied with the performance of the team,” he told the Lesotho Times.
“The team played very well, very competitive and with a lot of spirit.”
The team played the same 4-4-2 formation they have used under Milosavljevic’s regime, but the coach said the side was much more attacking in comparison with previous games.
“We played very offensively,” Milosavljevic said.
However, the biggest cause for concern for Milosavljevic as he rebuilds Likuena will be that they took the lead in both games and failed to win either.
“It is international football and I have to be disappointed. But the defence was good,” he said.
“The fitness wasn’t perfect. The players haven’t played matches because the season is over.”
Another worry will be the lack of prospective international games to build on this promising display.
Most teams have been reluctant to engage Likuena in friendly internationals because of the team’s lowly ranking in world football.
