As the lowest-ranked team to qualify directly from the group stage of the AFCON qualifiers (44th out of 53 at the time of the draw), Lesotho knew they faced a daunting task in their quest to reach the finals next year.

As the lowest-ranked team in Group B, their 3-1 defeat to Central African Republic in the first round of qualifying, conceding in the opening minute, was a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.

The South Africans will now face Morocco on the North Africans' turf, having played all of their AFCON qualifying home matches there due to the lack of an international standard stadium at home.

This adds to the difficulty of their task, although Lesotho's draw in Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier in November suggests that they can compete in seemingly impossible situations.

However, Leslie Notsi's side go into this encounter on a five-match winless streak, including a disappointing run at the COSAFA Cup in July.

Morocco maintained their status as Africa's top team after a comfortable 4-1 win over Gabon at the Stade Adrar last Friday.

Despite having already secured automatic qualification for the next AFCON as hosts, the Atlas Lions did not lower their standards against the Gabonese, with Hakim Ziyech's first-half double from the penalty spot setting the tone before Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi also found the net in the second half.

Walid Regragui's side are now unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, winning the last three and scoring 10 goals in the last two.

In their first meeting with Lesotho, the Atlas Lions will be hoping to continue their impressive scoring run and extend their winning streak in AFCON qualifying to three matches - their last defeat in the competition came against South Africa in June 2023.

Lesotho possible starting lineup:

Owono; Ndong, Coco, Fernandez, Senra; Mascarell; Buyla, Ganet, Obiang, Salvador; Nlavo

Morocco possible starting lineup:

Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Abqar, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi; Ziyech, Diaz, Adli; El-Kaabi

Prediction:Lesotho 0-3 Morocco

Lesotho VS Morocco stream and TV listing

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