LESOTHO secured a spot in the Group phase of the qualifiers for the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifier following a 3-1 aggregate victory over Seychelles on Sunday in Dobsonville, Gauteng.

The two countries had a lot to play for after their first-leg encounter ended in a goalless stalemate four-days ago at the Cote D’OR Stadium in Mauritius

Lesotho was quick off the mark in the second leg match at the Dobsonville Stadium, scoring two goals within the first ten minutes of the game through Katleho Makateng and Motebang Sera.

The opening exchanges of the match were a one-way traffic with Lesotho creating chance after  chance, but once again being let down by poor finishing just like in the first leg meeting when they missed a penalty.

Seychelles were able to find their way back into the match mid-day through the first half and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty after Rethabile Rasethuntṧa fouled their player inside the penalty box.

Perry Ernesta stepped up to the task and beat Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane from the spot to give the Islanders hope of a comeback.

The goal seemed to revive the visitors as they put the home side under pressure in search for an equalising goal, but Lesotho were able to withstand their offensive as the match headed to the half-time break at 2-1 in favour of the home team.

Newly appointed Lesotho coach, Veselin Jelusic reacted by taking off debutant Refiloe Mothae, bringing in Letlatsa Moshoeshoe who was also winning his first cap.

The move worked wonders for Lesotho as they regained the upper hand in the midfield and came close to adding a third goal to their tally when Sera was denied his second of the day by the woodwork.