Likuena coach Thabo Senong says the recent friendly match against Malawi gave his side a good test ahead of the crucial 2020 African Nations (CHAN) clash with Zimbabwe.
The two countries played-out to a 1-1 draw as Lesotho prepares to host the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the third round second leg tie scheduled for Setsoto Stadium this Sunday.
Senong’s side lost 3-1 in the first leg encounter played at the National Stadium in Harare, but he is adamant that they can bounce back in the second leg and rewrite the historic books of football by qualifying for the continental tournament.
The winner of Sunday’s match will secure qualification for the next year’s competition to be staged in Cameroon.
“I should first thank Malawi for giving us this match and also for bringing their best possible squad to test us. One could see that Malawi is a good team,” Senong told LeFA media.
“We were really tested, mentally, physically and tactically. But I would like to express my greatest gratitude and a big thank you to all our foreign based players that they are going to be excused from this FIFA break because we are preparing for the CHAN second leg against Zimbabwe.
“Also, thanks to our principals at LeFA for supporting this decision so that we focus on the important game against Zimbabwe.”
The Likuena mentor was also in praises for debutant Sekhoane Moerane, who had an outstanding game in goals for Likuena saving a penalty.
“Quickly going to the game with Malawi, I think we tried to play with a slightly with a different structure, where we defend in numbers and also trying to keep possession in numbers and tried to attack in numbers,” Senong stated.
“I think we missed chances, two good chances in the first half and I always knew that with a quality team like Malawi, you going to be punished if you miss chances, but it’s a lesson learnt.
“I’m also very proud of our goalkeeper, Sekhoane, debut match, first cap and a Man of the Match performance. It’s all about rewarding promising players. If you look at his profile and age, he is one for the future.
“But I’m very proud of all the players having to adapt to the structure and our new playing style,” he said.