Notši names provisional squad for Ivory Coast clash
Likuena coach Leslie Notši has named his 27-man provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group H final match against Ivory Coast scheduled for Stade Laurent Pokou on September 9.
Lesotho frustrated star-studded Ivory Coast to a goalless draw in the first leg fixture played at Dobsonville Stadium in June last year.
The squad includes several new faces, who have come through the ranks playing for the junior teams such as Khubetsoana Kamela, Tšeliso Botsane and Teboho Letsema.
Notši has also handed call-ups to LDF trio of Morena Moloi, Victor Ferreira and Lebesa Lebesa, who gets to be part of the Likuena set-up for the very first time.
Likuena heads to their final match against Ivory Coast with Group H already decided in the last round of qualifiers, where Zambia secured top spot while Ivory Coast were already quaranteed automatic qualification by virtue of being the tournament hosts.
Notši stated that the new faces in the team gives him depth going into the CHAN qualifiers, where players plying their trade outside the country will be ineligible to play.
“We all know that Afcon qualification is out of our reach and the bigger picture is to prepare the team for the CHAN qualifiers, which are coming very soon,” Notši explained.
“Most of these boys have come through the ranks playing for our junior national team and it’s the Association’s investment that needs to be given a chance to grow.”
Likuena provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane, Teboho Ratibisi, Mosoeu Seahlolo.
Defenders: Rethabile Senkoto, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, Mohlomi Makhetha, Rethabile Mokokoane, Rethabile Rasethuntša, Lebesa Lebesa, ‘Melere Lebetsa.
Midfielders: Lisema Lebokollane, Khubetsoana Kamele, Tšeliso Botsane, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Thabo Lesaoana, Tumelo Makha, Koenehelo Mothala, Tšepang Sefali,Victor Ferreira, Tshwarelo Bereng, Teboho Letsema, Neo Mokhachance, Tšepo Toloane, Morena Moloi.
Forwards: Thabiso Mari, Jane Thabantšo, Motebang Sera, Katleho Makateng.
