MASERU — At last Lesotho have found opponents.
Likuena will play Swaziland in a double-header next week.
The fixtures come as a godsend for Lesotho whose overtures for friendly matches in the past month had been turned down by the likes of Ghana and Malawi.
Likuena had hoped to get a game against Mozambique on June 24, but will now play the double-header against Swaziland instead.
LEFA vice-president Khiba Mohoanyane, who doubles up as Likuena team manager, confirmed the good news yesterday.
“We have two games against Swaziland at the end of the month,” he said.
Lesotho have been struggling to attract opponents mainly because of the country’s lowly world ranking as well as the unavailability of stadium that meets international standards.
However, with the regional COSAFA Challenge Cup coming up next month Likuena desperately needed a run.
And Swaziland finally responded.
Likuena have faced Swaziland eight times in the last four years, sharing three wins each.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw in Lomamba, Swaziland, in May last year.
Lesotho have called up a squad of 25 players.
However five players, including skipper Lehlohonolo Seema, are yet to join the squad.
Seema is still nursing a groin injury, while Lioli left-back Lereko Matsipa is writing examinations.
The LDF duo of Lire Phiri and Molefe Lekoekoe as well as Melele’s Retšelisitsoe Moloisane are the other players yet to report for camp.
The inclusion of Moloisane in the squad is the biggest surprise.
The 22-year-old Melele attacker has been plying his trade in the A-Division in the past season, but was picked ahead of steady top-flight performers such as Matlama’s Litsepe Marabe and Lioli’s Lehlohonolo Mpopo.
National squad
Goalkeepers: Sam Ketsekile (Swallows), Lekunutu Tšoeunyane (LMPS), Phoka Matete (Rovers), Mohau Kuenane (Lioli).
Defenders: Thabo Masualle, Lereko Matsipa (both Lioli), Thapelo Mokhehle, Nkau Lerotholi (both Matlama), Khoto Sesinyi, Mpitsa Marai (both LCS), Moitheri Ntobo (US Monstir), Lehlohonolo Seema (Orlando Pirates).
Midfielders: Bushy Moletsane (Lioli), Nyakhane Nyakhane (Likhopo), Moli Lesesa (Joy), Bokang Mothoana (US Monstir), Refiloe Potse (LCS), Retšelisitsoe Moloisane (Melele), Lire Phiri, Molefe Lekoekoe (both LDF).
Strikers: Thapelo Tale, Tšepo Lekhoona, Mokone Marabe (all Likhopo), Sello ‘Muso (Lioli), Lekhotla Pitso (Matlama).
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