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Preview: Lesotho vs. Comoros - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 15 June 2023, 22:45
Having already seen their dream of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations come to an end, Lesotho entertain the challenge of Comoros at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the away side make the trip to Johannesburg this weekend currently in the last chance saloon to book a place in next year's continental showpiece.

Match preview

Lesotho fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Togo in the sides' international friendly encounter at Bidvest Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Veselin Jelusic's men trailed in next to no time thanks to Yawo Agbagno's early opener after which Ahoueke Denkey sealed the deal midway through the opening 45 minutes.

Consequently, the Crocodiles have now been beaten in each of their last three outings and remain without a victory since the turn of the year.

Up next is the task of facing off against an opposing outfit with only one defeat across the previous five editions of this fixture across all competitions.

Having lost just one of their last seven home encounters leading up to this weekend, Saturday's hosts have proven themselves to be a tough nut to crack in front of their fans.

Comoros were on the receiving end of comprehensive 2-0 loss against the Elephants of Ivory Coast when the teams went head to head on March 28.

Goals from Ibrahim Sangare and Franck Kessie put Younes Zerdouk's men to the sword in a largely one-sided affair at Stade Omnisports de Malouzini.

Boasting three points from their four qualifiers so far, Les Coelacantes sit third in Group H, six points behind Zambia with two matches left to play.

Currently on a run of three straight away defeats by a combined score of 6-2, Saturday's visitors will need to get going on their travels to stand any chance of coming away with a positive result.

Lesotho Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

L

D

L

L

Lesotho form (all competitions):

W

L

D

L

L

L

Comoros Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

W

L

L

L

Comoros form (all competitions):

L

L

W

L

L

L

Team News

Lesotho's record goalscorer Jane Thabantso had to make do with a place on the bench against Togo but he is expected to get the nod to feature right from the off here.

Thabantso should be joined in attack by 28-year-old Sera Motebang, who will be keen to end a run of 10 matches without a goal for club and country.

Having been left out earlier this year, Tumelo Makha has been recalled to the squad and could be handed an immediate return to the starting lineup.

Mellere Lebetsa and Ngaka Lenka have both been handed their maiden international call-ups for the hosts off the back of impressive domestic campaigns.

Lesotho possible starting lineup:

Moerane; Makepe, Tseka, Lebokollane, Malane; Bereng, Makha, Mafatle; Thabantso, Motebang, Toloane

Comoros possible starting lineup:

Ahamada; Youssouf, Bakari, M'Dahoma, Mohamed; M'Changama, Bachirou, Bourhane; Youssouf, Djoudja, Selemani

We say: Lesotho 0-1 Comoros

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