The Lesotho senior national team, Likuena, returned to work this week with a provisional squad of 26 locally-based players.

They are preparing for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they will face Zambia in back-to-back matches in March.

“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 (Zambia), of course they are the absolute favourite. But we will try to do our best and represent Lesotho with dignity,” coach Veselin 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.”

Lesotho provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane (LMPS), Tankiso Chaba (LCS), Jersey Matsie (Lioli), Mosoeu Seahlolo (LCS)

Defenders: Motlalepula Phahlahla (Swallow), Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama), Rethabile Senkoto, Rethabile Rasethuntsa (both Linare), Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, Leluma Phosholi (both Bantu), Mohlomi Makhetha, Lehlohonolo Lenka, Kopano Tseka (all LCS), Basia Makepe (LMPS), Tsiame Ramabele (LDF)

Midfielders: Tsepang Sefali, Koenehelo Mothala (both Linare), Neo Mokhachane, Lehlohonolo Fothoane (both Bantu), Thabang Malane (LCS), Tsepo Toloane, Lehlohonolo Matsau (both LDF), Thabo Mafatle, Lisema Lebokollane, Tumelo Makha (all Lioli)

Forwards: Rets’elisitsoe Mopeli (LDF), Jane Thabantso (Matlama), Lemohang Lintsa (LU FC).

Source: Lesotho Football Association