Pascalinah Kabi
MASERU — Lesotho will this afternoon take on minnows Sao Tomé in a 2013 African Nations Cup preliminary round tie away in Sao Tomé.
Likuena must at least come out unscathed from the tie if they are to enhance their chances of progressing to the next round.
The African Nations Cup tournament will be held in South Africa next year.
The national team arrived in Sao Tomé on Friday, two days after they left home.
Their flight, which was supposed to land in Gabon, had to be diverted to Cameroon after another plane had a breakdown on the runway.
But away from the travel chaos, Lesotho Football Association (Lefa) communications manager, Mikea Kalati, said the players were in good spirits.
He said the players were free of injuries when they left Maseru for Sao Tomé last Wednesday.
“There were no injuries in the squad when we left the country on Wednesday and the spirits among the players were very high,” Kalati said.
He said he hoped that the travel chaos would not affect the players psychologically when they take to the field this afternoon.
“The team had some problems with flights. First we encountered problems when we were trying to book and the game ended up being postponed.
“We also ended up landing in Cameroon after failing to land in Gabon on Thursday because one plane had a breakdown in the landing area,” Kalati said.
He said it was important for Likuena to at least score two away goals to make it easier for the team during the return leg in Maseru.
The return leg has been set for Setsoto Stadium next Sunday.
If Lesotho sees off Sao Tomé, they will take on Sierra Leone in the next round.
Likuena Squad
Goalkeepers: Mohau Koenane and Dyke Tsiu.
Defenders: Thabo Masualle, Nkau Lerotholi, Moitheri Ntobo (captain), Ts’epo George, Kopano Tseka and Thapelo Mokhehle.
Midfielders: Ts’oanelo Koetle, Motlalepula Mofolo, Katleho Moleko, Bokang Mothoana, Bushy Moletsane, Ts’oloane Mosakeng, Lieta Lehloka and Lits’epe Marabe. Strikers: Lehlomela Ramabele, Lawrence Molengoane, Dlomo Monaphathi and Thapelo Tale