Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 14, 2024 at 1pm UK

Setsoto Stadium

Lesotho vs. Central African Republic

Match preview

It's pretty much a formality for Lesotho now. They're already out of the running for qualification, having only managed to earn a single point from their first four games.

Likuena lost their first two games in the qualifying rounds, and their only point came from a 0-0 draw against Gabon on matchday three. They then lost 2-0 to the same opponent four days later.

On top of that, they haven't scored in any of their last three games and are now set to miss out on qualifying for the AFCON for the 10th consecutive time since their first attempt in 2000-01.

However, Leslie Notsi's side will be feeling pretty confident going into this match, having ended their eight-game winless streak by beating Namibia on penalties in their African Nations Championship qualifier earlier this month.

Meanwhile, this match is really important for the Central African Republic. If they lose, it'll be over for them in terms of qualifying for the tournament in Morocco next year.

It's looking unlikely for the Les Fauves. With just three points so far and Gabon in second place by four, it's out of their hands. Even if they win, it won't be enough if the Panthers beat Morocco in the other match.

CAR got off to a good start in the qualifiers, beating this opponent 3-1 in the first match in the group. However, they then suffered three consecutive defeats between rounds two and four, during which they conceded 11 goals and failed to score at all.

After losing to Morocco last month, the Central African Republic Football Association decided to fire Swiss coach Raoul Savoy after 21 matches and almost four years on the job.

Former Fauves de Bas-Oubangui captain Eloge Enza-Yamissi has since been named caretaker manager for the foreseeable future. He'll be hoping to get off to a winning start in his first game in charge.

Recent Performance

Lesotho Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:LLDL

Lesotho form (all competitions):LLLLDL

Central African Republic Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WLLL

Central African Republic form (all competitions):WLWLLL

Team News

Notsi has kept five players from the squad that he sent out in the African Nations Championship qualifiers against Namibia last month, who all did a great job.

The call-ups include Paseka Maile, Mpho Hlephole, Hlompho Kalake, Thabo Mafatle, as well as Limkokwing University FC's Player of the Year Lemohang Lintsa, who scored 18 goals for his club last term.

CAR have kept the same team as the one that played against Morocco last month. They'll be looking to Louis Mafouta, who has scored six goals in 13 matches for Ligue 2 club Amiens, to lead the line this week.

We're expecting Marseille's Geoffrey Kondogbia and Brad Pirioua to make up the visitors' engine room, while CSKA Sofia's Goduine Koyalipou will likely operate in the number 10 role behind Mafouta.

Possible starting lineup

Lesotho possible starting lineup:

Moerane; Matlabe, Makele, Rasethuntsa, Sefoli; Makoele, Lebokollane, Taba, Bereng, Molane; Motebang

Central African Republic possible starting lineup:

Lambe; Yangao, Yambere, Zanganga, Ndobe; Ngoma, Pirioya, Kondogbia, Namnganga; Koyalipu; Mafouta