MASERU – Continental football powerhouse, the Nigerian Super Eagles, on Sunday sunk a spirited Likuena at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru – winning the game 4 – 2.
sports
Nov. 18, 2019
REITUMETSE MABALEHA
2 min read
Gallant Likuena stand up to Nigeria
Likuena against Super Eagles on Sunday at Setsoto Stadium
Likuena faced their toughest challenge yet when they locked horns with the Gemot Rohr-led side in the 2021 AFCON qualifier, having come from a goal down to draw with Sierra Leone in the same competition last week.
The Thabo Senong-mentored team now sits on third position in Group L, behind Nigeria who have amassed six points following yesterday’s win, and Benin who are in second place with three points.
The Super Eagles came from a goal down to claim the win, shocked by Likuena’s 11th minute header by South African based Nkoto Masoabi; the lanky striker put Lesotho ahead with a beautiful header from a Bokang Sello cross.
The goal increased the tempo of the goal with both sides weaving attack after attack to seize control of the game, but the home side’s lead was short-lived as English Premier League campaigner with Arsenal FC, Alex Iwobi, levelled matters for the visitors in the 27th minute.
Five minutes later, Samuel Chikweze gave the Super Eagles the lead, as Likuena appeared to fail to regroup after the equaliser.
At the interval, Tšoarelo Bereng, who had a below par performance in this outing, was sacrificed for Lehlohonolo Fothoane who breathed new life into the home side’s game.
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Jane Thabantšo was also introduced into the game, and partnered well with Fothoane to create several chances for Likuena. But their woes were increased when Ahmed Musa’s assist saw Victor Osimhen scoring the third goal.
Osimhen later put the last nail in Likuena’s coffin when he completed his brace and made it four for the visitors.
The home side’s spirited fight continued to the final whistle, and it paid off as the controlled matters in the last quarter of the game – forcing an own goal by Awazein Collins whose deflected clearance caught goal-minder Daniel Akepyi off-guard.
The hosts’ head coach, Senong, commended his charges who he said gave their all despite facing a tough opponent and a squad that largely played football in Europe and across the globe.
“It is better to lose 7-1 than to sit back and lose the game merely afraid of the other team equalising. The mistakes made by the referees are beyond our control, I would rather analyse the game and rectify our mistakes instead,” he said.
Benin are the next assignment for Senong and his troops.
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