Senong: We are fully focused on the task

Likuena coach Thabo Senong says his side is ready to kickstart their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Sierra Leone scheduled for the Siaka Steven Stadium in Freetown.

The match will be played behind closed doors and will be the first ever meeting between Lesotho and the West African country, who are 20 places above Senong’s side in the FIFA rankings.

The Lesotho squad is headlined by in-form striker Motebang Sera, who has netted three goals in his last three games for Bloemfontein Celtic in the South African Absa Premiership.

“We treat every match equally, we respect every opponent and prepare very well. Our objective is to improve in all the phases of the game. The results will take care of itself,” Senong told the LeFA website.

“We respect Sierra Leone. They have players playing in Europe in their team and will be playing at home, which will be an advantage to them. They will be very tough.

“Group L is an open group for any ambitious team. Maybe Nigeria are favourites to win the group and the rest will all be fighting to finish in second position. Benin team is very solid and Sierra Leone are improving.

“Our mentality is better now, we are fully focused on the task. The team chemistry is better and we have an organised playing structure that encourages our players to express themselves with lots of freedom.”

Likuena squad to face Sierra Leone:

Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane & Ntsane Lichaba.
Defenders: Bokang Sello, Kopano Tseka, Basia Makepe, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, Lisema Lebokollane, Nkau Lerotholi.
Midfielders: Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Ts’oarelo Bereng Hlompho Kalake, Mohau Rammoneng, Litsepe Marabe, Tumelo Khutlang, Thabo Seakhoa, Jane Thabantso.
Forwards: Mokone Marabe, Motebang Sera & Nkoto Masoabi.