Lesotho is in the final push for a maiden appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament as they visit Cape Verde for Sunday’s match.
The small Southern African country needs a win in Praia and not to worry about the result from the East African derby between Tanzania and Uganda.
Uganda has already booked an Afcon ticket and the last qualification spot is between Lesotho, Tanzania and Cape Verde.
While winning away from home could be a difficult mission, Lesotho coach Moses Maliehe is bracing up the task at hand.
“I’m aware that when we play Cape Verde it will be a physical game rather than a tactical one,” Maliehe told BBC.
“That’s why we have started our preparation early to get our players tuned for the game. “We are ready to play Cape Verde; we know it will be a hard task and won't be easy and that they will attack most of the time.
“We started early with the preparations because 90 percent of our players are home-based.
“We have a chance. The game itself is already motivation for my players; I don't have to motivate them for this. It will be a first-time ever for Lesotho to qualify and my boys are ready for that opportunity. We are well prepared. There is a real sense of excitement and anticipation.”
Lesotho has three players (Tswarelo Bereng, Tumelo Khutlang, and Luciano Matsoso) plying their trade for South African Premier Soccer League side Black Leopards.
Nkoto Masoabi and Thabo Sefuli play in the South African National First Division for Real Kings.
American-based strikers Jane Tsotleho and Lesia Thetsane are the only players stationed in America.
