Lesotho head coach Moses Maliehe has conceded that his side’s 9-0 friendly demolition at the hands of Free State Stars in an exhibition match has reminded his team of their failings before their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda.
The Crocodiles will look to extend their unbeaten run in Group L having drawn their opening two matches despite being ranked 145th in the current FIFA world rankings.
However, despite their fine form, their limitations were laid bare in a 9-0 rout by PSL side Free State Stars in a friendly fixture earlier this week.
“Losing 9-0 to Free State Stars was a wake-up call for us,” Maliehe told KweséESPN.
“Although it was a build-up game played on Monday in South Africa, it gave us lots of lessons and several things to try and rectify before we face Uganda.
“We badly need to get a good result from Kampala before we host them next week in Maseru,” he added. “All of the players know what is expected of them and they will fight to get the result.”
Lesotho have never qualified for the AFCON, but they would move back into the qualification spots in Group L if they defeat out-of-sorts Uganda away on Saturday.
The Southern African minnows have two points to date, and currently sit in third, having been leapfrogged by Cape Verde following their 3-0 victory over Tanzania on Friday.
“We traveled well and are set for the game,” Maliehe added. “Uganda are top of the group, and we respect them, but we shall give them a run for their money.”
The Crocodiles of Lesotho will however miss experienced players Bokang Sello, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards, and Lesia Thetsane.
Sera Motebang, who scored in the 1-1 draw against Cape Verde, and Thapelo Tale, who bagged the goal in the 1-1 draw last year away to Tanzania, will be the key players to watch.
The two top countries in each of the groups will qualify for the continental competition to be staged in Cameroon next year.
Full Lesotho squad vs. Uganda
Goalkeepers: Samuel Khetsekile, Lomani Mphuthi, Mohau Kuenane
Defenders: Kopano Tseka, Mafa Moremoholo, Nkau Lerotholi, Basia Makepe
Midfielders: Tsepo Toloane, Jane Tsotleho, Hlompho Kalake, Luciano Matsoso, Mabuti Potloane, Tumelo Khutlang, Jane Thaba Ntso
Forwards: Masoabi Nkoto, Motebang Sera, Setho Moshoeshoe, Thapelo Tale