Lesotho coach Thabo Senong has named his final squad for the Total Africa Cup of Nations Group L final qualifying matches against Sierra Leone and Nigeria respectively.
The Crocodiles, as the Lesotho side is affectionately known, host the Leone Stars in Maseru on Saturday and will be followed by a long trip to West Africa to take on the Super Eagles in Lagos on Tuesday.
Senong heads to the matches with a depleted squad after several of his key players such as Jane Thabantso and Lisema Lebokolloane were withdrawn from the squad due to injuries.
American-based Lesia Thetsane as well as Thabiso Brown playing his football in Bolivia will also not be part of the squad for the two matches.
“I must say, we were very fortunate to start early with the local based players because they had a long layoff after football activities were suspended in the country due to COVID-19,” Senong said.
“Starting early helped us a lot because we needed to bring the fitness levels of our players back, which we really did. The players are looking fit now, but of course playing and training are two different things.
“We managed to play two practice matches against South African clubs and we tried because the players didn’t really battle in terms of fitness. I must say, the long camp has also helped to improve the relationship and understanding a lot between the players,” he concluded.
Lesotho is at the bottom of Group L with two points from their four games played thus far.
Lesotho squad:
Goalkeepers: Monaheng Ramalefane, Sekhoane Moerane, Ntsane Lichaba.
Defenders: Thabang Malane, Thabo Lesaoana, Basia Makepe, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, Nkau Lerotholi, Bokang Sello, Thabo Mats’oele.
Midfielders: Tau Masiu, Tumelo Ngatane, Hlompho Kalake, Mokoteli Mohapi, Neo Mokhachane, Lits’epe Marabe, Tsepo Toloane, Lehlohonolo Fothoane.
Forwards: Motebang Sera, Tumelo Khutlang, Nkoto Masoabi.
Source: Cafonline
