Moorosi Tsiane
LESOTHO crashed out of 2021 COSAFA Cup edition after suffering a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of hosts, South Africa, in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.
The Leslie Notši-coached Likuena finished bottom of the Group A with three points after winning only once and losing three times.
Likuena started their campaign with a 3-1 loss to eSwatini before coming from a goal down to beat Zambia 2-1 in the match. They were then hammed 4-0 by Botswana before losing by same margin to South Africa.
Likuena has been by far the worst team in the tournament as they shipped in 12 goals while only scoring three times.
Notši admitted that his charges failed to rise to the occasion. He however, said there were some positives which they would build on going forward.
“We did not rise to the occasion but honestly there were some positives which I think we can build on as we prepare for the future,” said Notši. The gaffer was appointed on an interim basis after the sudden resignation of Thabo Senong shortly before the start of the tournament.
Notši introduced some new faces into the squad and he is optimistic the exposure has done them a lot of good.
Goalkeeper Jessy Matsie, midfielder Tumelo Makha and striker Thabiso Mari were all given their first caps at the tournament. The likes of Thabang Malane (defender), Rethabile Rasethuntsa (defender) Sekhoane Moerane (goalkeeper) also participated in their first COSAFA competition.
