Lesotho, Eswatini accept fate ahead of AFCON qualification draw

Regarded as minnows on the continent, Likuena are in pot 4 and will be pitted against at least one of the top-ranking nations on the road to Morocco.

Notsi, speaking after Lesotho were eliminated from the COSAFA Cup in Gqeberha, discussed what he expects is likely to unfold during the draw.

“As a team, as a country, we are in Pot 4 which always has big guns there from Pot A, but there's nothing that we can do we have to go in there and try as much as we can to be very competitive.”

Lesotho are yet to make an appearance at the AFCON, and Notsi says playing in the prestigious tournament in North Africa next year remains a key target.

“I think it's coming at the right time in September where by now we have to move on you know take all the good attributes that came out of this tournament into those qualifications. It is very important to us as Lesotho to go there and try as much as we can to be competitive and see to it that we qualify, this is the tournament that we have never played in.”

Another national team also in pot 4 is Eswatini, whose interim coach Sifiso Ntibane knows they will be in a tough group, but his spirits are high.

“These boys can play against any team, the game has changed and there are no longer small teams on the continent. They are ready to compete with anyone because it's all about confidence.”

Ntimane adds he will make recommendations to the Eswatini Football Association – should he not take over permanently – on what direction they should take.

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