We are under pressure: Maliehe

Moorosi Tsiane

SENIOR national soccer team coach Moses Maliehe has admitted that his charges are under pressure when they clash with Tanzania in a do-or-die 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group L tie at Setsoto Stadium this afternoon.

Likuena go into the match following back-to-back defeats at the hands of Uganda last month, defeats that saw them drop from the second position to the bottom of group.

For Likuena to qualify for next year’s finals which are to be hosted by Cameroon, they have to win their remaining two matches against Tanzania (today) and Cape Verde in March next year.

Uganda top the group with 10 points, Tanzania are second with five points while Cape Verde are third with four points.

“I think it is understandable that there is pressure going into this match given our results in the last two matches against Uganda because like any other team, we are always expected to win,” Maliehe said.

“Mathematically we are still in the race but it is going to take a lot of hard work to achieve this although there is still hope.”

The squad goes into the match in high spirits after they were given some incentives by the Lesotho Football Association on Wednesday, a move which Maliehe has lauded.

“LeFA knows the players’ needs and they know exactly what is needed for the players to win matches and we are happy that they have got the incentives from the previous matches,” he said.

Maliehe was however, quick to point that the players must remember that they don’t have to put money first but always be patriotic then the money will follow.

“Our players must also stop focusing on other countries and their players but rather focus on doing their job. At the end of the day it is all about them as players and what they want to achieve and they should push to at least play in one of the biggest tournaments on the continent,” he said.

Maliehe said they can’t afford to lose at home once again so they need to be mentally strong.

“I don’t care how thoroughly Tanzania have prepared but we have to beat them. We can’t afford to lose another match here at home. We also need to fight for the dignity of this country and our dignity as well as a team. We have played this team twice in the last three years and we have won once while we drew the other,” Maliehe said.

Likuena squad:

GOALKEEPERS: Tankiso Chaba, Sam Ketsekile, Monaheng Ramalefane.

DEFENDERS:  Mafa Moremoholo, Bokang Sello, Kopano Tseka, Nkau Lerotholi, Basia Makepe.

MIDFIELDERS: Sepiriti Malefane, Tšepo Toloane, Mabuti Potloane, Hlompho Kalake, Jane Thabantšo

Jane Tšotleho, Tshwarelo Bereng, Setho Moshoeshoe,Tumelo Khutlang.

STRIKERS: Motebang Sera, Nkoto Masoabi, Thapelo Tale