Africa-Press – Lesotho. Mauritius and Lesotho will lock horns at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday afternoon, as the two nations kick proceedings off in Group C of the COSAFA Cup.
Kick-off is at 3:00pm (SA, GMT+2) Likuena are hoping to better their group stage exit from the 2022 COSAFA Cup and were drawn alongside Angola, Mozambique and opponents Mauritius in Group C.
Form has not been on Lesotho’s side since the turn of the year and are winless in their last six encounters in all competitions. Also, Lesotho are currently on a four match losing streak, recording defeats to nations such as Zambia, Togo and Comoros.
In the previous edition of the COSAFA Cup, Lesotho recorded victories over Malawi and Mauritius but suffered a 2-0 loss against Eswatini in their final group stage encounter.
Reflecting on his squad ahead of the competition, Lesotho interim coach Leslie Notsi mentioned that his side is better equipped with the incorporation of younger players into the team.
“After we were given this assignment by the Association, we looked at the performance of the team in recent games and what needs to be done to improve its fortunes,” Notsi said.
“We analyzed the squad that Mr.
Jelusic had already assembled and players that we felt had raised their hands to be given a chance for with the national team and see what they can do as they get assessed.
“So, we kept the core of the team that was already assembled but also reinforced the squad with the best young players in the league, who are also investment of the Association having come through their many programmes such as the school of excellence as well as junior teams.
While Lesotho suffered numerous defeats en-route to the COSAFA Cup, Mauritius go into the tournament on the back of a morale boosting 1-0 win over Kenya in an International Friendly last month.
However, ‘Club M’ as Mauritius are affectionately known, picked up two wins in their last five encounters across the board, recording three defeats along the way.
In the 2022 COSAFA Cup, Mauritius finished bottom of Group B after suffering three consecutive losses to Estwatini, Malawi and Lesotho. With the tie in full view, Mauritius coach Fidy Rasoanaivo expects his side to do better at the showpiece and will aim to make it out of Group C.
“We are ready,” Rasoanaivo said.
“Everyone got a glimpse of the potential of Club M. I expect my players to do even better at Cosafa.
To be more precise, I aim to qualify for the next round. “For that we must win our three group matches. It’s my aim. I know we are going to face tough opponents but I know the quality that my team has.”
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