Lesotho and Seychelles played to a goalless stalemate in the first leg fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Likuena, as the Lesotho team is affectionately known, bossed the game from the word go, but were not clinical enough in front of goal to break their opponents.

Lesotho best chance of the match fell on the path of their most capped player and top goalscorer, Jane Thabantšo, whose effort went over the bar just before the half-time break.

“The Pirates”, as Seychelles are nicknamed, were happy to stay behind the ball and frustrate Lesotho from scoring in a game, where goal scoring chances were few and far between.

After several changes in the second half, where newly appointed Lesotho coach Bob Mafoso, throw in attacking options such as introducing Motebang Sera, Seychelles remained resolute to frustrate Lesotho with a goalless draw.

Lesotho coach Bob Mafoso was the first to admit that his charges got frustrated as the game progressed having dominated possession but struggled to find their way past the Islanders.

“I would say, it’s a game where the home team defended very well with their numbers. A game I feel one or two decisions would have helped us to win it especially when the team plays in that low block,” Mafoso told the post-match press conference.

“It was one of those matches where on or two decisions can make all the difference, maybe holding onto the ball a bit longer instead of releasing it too early

“In the end, a draw in the away game isn’t a bad result but we do regret some of the decisions we made.”

For his part, Seychelles coach Vivian Bothe told the media briefing that he felt his team wasn’t fresh enough after their travel that included driving by bus from Johannesburg.

“In the second half, our players started to tire and Lesotho had more possession. So, we had to fall back and defend. With the score still 0-0, they became frustrated and began playing more long balls from the back,” the Seychelles head coach said.

“We knew that their strengths and planned accordingly, and in that sense, it worked. But going forward, we will look to be more aggressive going forward while still staying solid defensively,” he said.

It will be all to play for when the two countries take to the field again on Sunday at Toyota Stadium at 17h00.