Lesotho Gear Up for CHAN Showdown Against Angola
Khaled Hegazy
Dailysports's expert
Likuena, the national football team of Lesotho, started training Monday for their pivotal matches against Angola in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final qualifying phase. The return match is set for December 28 at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, while the first leg will take place in South Africa on December 21. The victor over the two legs will secure a spot in the CHAN finals.
Coach Leslie Notši has retained much of the squad that triumphed over Namibia in the first qualifying round, with notable inclusions of veteran striker Jane Thabantšo and promising 17-year-old goalkeeper Leluma Mofoka. Due to their home stadiums' inability to reach international standards, Lesotho still hosts games in neighboring South Africa.
Under coach Pedro Goncalves, Angola has selected a roster of 27 players with hopes of making their sixth participation in the CHAN. The Palancas Negras, who placed second in the 2011 competition, are hoping to repeat their success.
The CHAN 2024 tournament, set for February 1-28, will be hosted by Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Full Lesotho Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Tankiso Chaba, Ntsane Molise, Leluma Mofoka.
- Defenders: Rethabile Mokokoane, Mohlomi Makhetha, Rethabile Rasethunts’a, Thabo Mafatle, Mpho Hlephole, Thabo Mats’oele.
- Midfielders: Lisema Lebokollane, Lehlohonolo Matsau, Jerry Kamela, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Hlompho Kalake, Ts’epo Toloane, Moteloa Khemisi, Paseka Maile.
- Forwards: Jane Thabantšo, Katleho Makateng, Keketso Snyders.
Lesotho wants to create history by making it to the CHAN finals, while Angola will want to build on their experience. Everything is in place for a thrilling competition.
