By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU – The game was full of tension and excitement, but ultimately ended in a disappointing defeat for the Likuena team.
The match, which took place at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, was an important one for both teams as they were competing in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. However, it was Gabon who came out on top with a 2-0 victory, leaving Lesotho struggling to maintain their chances of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco in 2025.
The game started with high energy and intensity from both sides, as they battled for control of the ball. Lesotho, known as the Crocodiles, displayed strong defensive tactics, denying Gabon any clear goal-scoring opportunities in the first half. Their goalkeeper, Sekhoane Moerane, proved to be a formidable force, making some impressive saves that kept the game goalless.
Despite their solid defense, Lesotho struggled to create any notable chances up front. On the other hand, Gabon, led by star players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga, were constantly pressing and creating dangerous attacks.
It was Aubameyang who broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, scoring a well-placed header from a corner kick. The Gabonese team continued to push for a second goal, but Lesotho managed to hold on and end the first half with a 1-0 score-line.
The second half saw Lesotho come out with a more attacking mindset, determined to get an equalizer. They had a few promising moments, including a powerful shot from forward Tumelo Khutlang, but Gabon’s defense proved to be too strong.
As the game progressed, Gabon took control once again and managed to double their lead in the 72nd minute through a brilliant strike from Bouanga. Lesotho struggled to find a response, and the game ended with a 2-0 victory for Gabon, leaving Lesotho with a disappointing result.
The defeat was a tough one for the Likuena team, who had been hoping for a positive result to boost their chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025. However, the team should not be too disheartened as they still have four more matches to play in the qualifiers. They will have to regroup and come back stronger in their next games if they want to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Despite the loss, there were some positives to take away from the game for Lesotho. One of them being their goalkeeper, Moerane, who put in an impressive performance, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
Additionally, the team’s resilience and determination were commendable, as they kept fighting until the final whistle despite being down by two goals.
On the other hand, Gabon will be pleased with their performance, having secured a crucial away win in the challenging conditions of the Stade Mohamed V. The win puts them in a good position in their group, with hopes of qualifying for AFCON 2025.
As for Lesotho, they have to bounce back quickly and focus on their next match against Morocco, who is the host nation for AFCON 2025. It will be another tough challenge for the Likuena team, but they have shown that they are capable of putting up a fight against strong opponents. They will need to work on their offensive tactics and capitalize on their chances if they want to come out with a positive result against the home team.
It was a disappointing day for Lesotho as they suffered a defeat to Gabon in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The Likuena team put up a spirited performance, but it was not enough to secure a victory against the star-studded Gabon team. However, there is still hope for Lesotho to qualify for the tournament, and they will need to learn from this defeat and come back stronger in their remaining matches.
Although beaten by Gabon’s star-studded squad, Lesotho showed tenacity and resilience on the pitch. Sekhoane Moerane stood tall in the net, making critical saves that kept his team afloat.
Despite the outcome, Lesotho’s grit and determination demonstrated their potential to surprise and shock their opponents in the remainder of their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign. As the dust settles and the Crocodiles regroup, they must channel their frustration into focus, preparing to face the challenge of Morocco’s home field advantage.
The Likuena fight for AFCON 2025 may have faced a setback against Gabon, but their courageous spirit and unwavering determination continue to shine through. Sekhoane Moerane’s impressive performance in the goal stands as a testament to Lesotho’s raw talent and potential, inspiring hope and optimism for the future.
Though the result may have left a sour taste, Likuena earned valuable experience on the continental stage, fueling their ambition for redemption in their upcoming clashes.