Jelusic rues Lesotho missed chances

Lesotho coach Veselin Jelusic rued his team’s missed chances as they played-out to a goalless draw against Seychelles in the TotalEnergies 2023 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round first leg match.

Likuena, as the Lesotho team is affectionately known, had the upper hand throughout the match played at Cote D’ OR Stadium, but lacked the killer instinct in front of goal.

Seychelles have their goalkeeper, Jerome Dingwall to thank as he almost single-handedly preserved a point for them, including saving a penalty early in the first half.

“We created few chances, but unfortunately we did not convert and of course, we didn’t use the penalty that we had,” Jelusic said.

Overall, I’m satisfied with the commitment from our players. I hope second match we will have better opportunities to score and to win the game.”

Jelusic, who took over the reins as the Lesotho coach early in February, also handed out new caps to the trio of Rethabile Mokokoane, Tšepang Sefali and Katleho Makateng.

The two countries will face each other again in the second leg match set for Dobsonville Stadium, in Soweto on Sunday.

The winner of the two-legged tie will secure a spot to place in the group phase of the qualifiers for the 2023 tournament to be stage in the Ivory Coast.