Likuena back to work ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Leemisa Thuseho

LIKUENA will return to camp next week to begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the Lesotho Times has learnt.

The national team is expected to report for camp on 3 July before embarking on an intensive training programme that will run from 6 to 29 July.

The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has already written to the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) and Vodacom Premier League clubs, requesting the release of players and officials called up for national duty.

“As per the medical report and training schedule, the team will commence training on 3 July 2026 and continue with intensive preparations from 6 July to 29 July,” LeFA said in a letter sent to clubs and the PLMC yesterday.

Likuena were last in action in June when they played two international friendly matches against the Kenya national football team at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in South Africa. The side, coached by Bob Mafoso, drew the first match 1-1 before suffering a 4-0 defeat in the second encounter.

Lesotho have been drawn in Group A of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers alongside Gabon and Niger, as well as continental heavyweights Morocco.

The 2027 AFCON finals will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027, with Lesotho hoping to secure a historic first qualification for Africa’s premier football tournament.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has scheduled the qualifiers across three FIFA international windows. The opening round of matches will be played between 21 September and 6 October 2026, followed by the second window from 9 to 17 November 2026. The final round of qualifiers will take place from 22 to 30 March 2027.

Among the locally based players returning to the national team are goalkeeper Mosoeu Seahlolo and defenders Mphale Maphalaole and Malefetsane Tamako, who recently completed training with the Lesotho Defence Force.

Also called up for the training camp are Leluma Mofoka, Tankiso Chaba, Paballo Koote, Thabo Mafatle, Rethabile Mokokoane, Katleho Koaeana, Tlotliso Mapola, Thabang Malane, Lehlohonolo Matsau, Kananelo Rapuleng, Thabo Lesaoana, Tšepo Toloane, Thaba Matšoele, Khubetsoana Kamela, Tšepang Sefali, Tholang Makuru, Limpho Ralesupi, Tšeliso Botsane and Jane Ntobane.

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