Lesotho give Nigeria a scare in Uyo
Lesotho gave Nigeria a huge scare as the two countries played-out to a one-all stalemate in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The visitors had a chance to break the deadlock as early as the 10th minute through Tšepang Sefali but was denied the opening goal of the match by Francis Ozoho.
Nigeria’s best chance of the opening exchanges came in the 21st minutes as Ademola Lookman combined with Jamilu Collins only to find Lesotho goalkeeper, Sekhoane Moerane up to the task in goals.
Moerane, who recently replaced retired Basia Makepe as the new Lesotho captain, was called into action again in the 34th minute, this time making a good save from Kelechi Iheanacho’s freekick.
The match headed to the half-time break with the two teams still locked in a goalless stalemate.
The Lesotho bench was the first to react with the introduction of experienced forward Motebang Sera, who replaced Thabiso Brown, to add fire power to their attacking line.
The change seemed to work wonders for Lesotho as they stunned the home crowd with the opening goal of the match in the 55th minute.
Likuena, as the Lesotho national team is affectionately known, broke the deadlock through Motlomelo Mkwanazi, who outjumped his marker to head-in a delivery from Tshwarelo Bereng’s corner kick.
However, Nigeria showed their experience rescuing a point in the 67th when West Brom defender, Semi Ajayi, headed in the equalizer from a corner by Iheanacho.
Lesotho will now shift their focus to their second match of Group C against Benin scheduled for Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.
