Lesotho boss Veselin Jelušić has named a 26 local member squad for the back to back 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Chipolopolo.
The Chipolopolo Boys and Likuena will face off in back to back encounters in March.
Jelušić is full of respect for Chipolopolo and believes that they are the best team in the region.
“We expect two very difficult and demanding games against the Zambian national team, considering the quality and international experience of the players who play for your national team, of course Zambia is the absolute favorite, but we will try to do our best and represent Lesotho with dignity,” Jelusic said.
“I have the deepest respect for Zambian football because of the results that Zambia has achieved in the past and the talent of the Zambian players that I have personally seen.
“On the other hand, Zambia is the winner of the last COSAFA competition, which means that even without the excellent internationals playing in Europe and other countries, Zambia is currently the best team in the region. That speaks volumes about the strength and potential of Zambian football.”
Chipolopolo Zambia will host Lesotho on March 21 in Lusaka on day-three of Group H action before traveling to Maseru seven days later.
Ivory Coast lead Group H with four points followed by Zambia and Comoros, who are tied on three points each.
Lesotho are bottom of the group with one point in two matches played.
Likuena 26-man local based Provisional
Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane (LMPS),Tankiso Chaba (LCS), Jersey Matsie (Lioli), Mosoeu Seahlolo(LCS).
Defenders: Motlalepula Phahlahla (Swallow), Mohlomi Makhetha (LCS), Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama), Rethabile Senkoto & Rethabile Rasethuntsa (both Linare), Motlomelo Mkhwanazi & Leluma Phosholi (Bantu), Lehlohonolo Lenka, & Kopano Tseka (LCS), Basia Makepe (LMPS), Tsiame Ramabele (LDF).
Midfielders: Koenehelo Mothala (Linare), Neo Mokhachane & Lehlohonolo Fothoane (Bantu), Thabang Malane ( LCS), Tsepo Toloane & Lehlohonolo Matsau (LDF), Tsepang Sefali, Linare, Thabo Mafatle, Lisema Lebokollane, Tumelo Makha (Lioli).
Forwards: Rets’elisitsoe Mopeli (LDF), Jane Thabants’o (Matlama), Lemohang Lintsa (LU FC).
