Lesotho beat Mauritius to setup showdown with Eswatini
Lesotho clinched a 2-1 victory over Mauritius in Friday’s Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup Group B match played at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Veteran forward Jane Thabantšo came from the bench to score the winner in the 72nd minute and help the Mountain Kingdom country to go top of their group with six points.
Likuena, as the Lesotho team is affectionately known, looked like they were going to have it easy on the day, going ahead as early as the tenth minute of the game through TTM midfielder, Tumelo Makha.
Veselin Jelusic’s side bossed the game throughout the first half but were let down by lack of composure in the final third as they attempted to increase their lead.
They held on to their 1-0 lead going into the half-time break, but were stunned immediately after the re-start, with Jacques Prosper getting the equalizing goal in the 50th minute.
The ever-green Thabantšo showed his experienced and composure scoring the winner with 18 minutes remaining on the clock after Mauritius failed to clear their lines.
Thabantšo was continuing his love affair with Mauritius as he holds the record of the fastest goal in the history of the COSAFA Cup, which he scored against the Islanders at the 2016 edition of the tournament.
His goal in Namibia came after 34 seconds as Lesotho enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over The Dodos.
The win over Mauritius moved Lesotho to the summit of Group B having opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Malawi.
Likuena needs a point from their final game against Eswatini scheduled for King Zwelithini Stadium to win their pool and set a date with Senegal, who are a guest nation for the second successive year.
The West African country lost to South Africa on penalties in the final of the 2021 edition of the tournament played at Moses Mabhida Stadium.