Lesotho vs Central African Republic Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups

Lesotho vs Central African Republic: AFCON Qualifiers Match Preview, Predictions, Team News, Head to Head and Predicted Lineups.

Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying
Date: November 14, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM UK
Venue: Setsoto Stadium (Played in Free State Toyota Stadium, South Africa)
Stage: Group Stage (B)

Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers is set for an intense showdown as Lesotho faces off against the Central African Republic (CAR). Though Lesotho has already been eliminated from the qualification race, Central African Republic still clings to a slim hope of advancing, needing both a win and a favorable outcome in Gabon’s game against Morocco.

Due to CAF’s ruling on the inadequacy of their home facilities, Lesotho will play this match in South Africa’s Free State Toyota Stadium. This contest carries high stakes for CAR, while for Lesotho, it’s a chance to test new talent and make a mark despite being out of the qualifying race.

Match Preview

Lesotho’s Form and Challenges

Lesotho enters this match on the back of a challenging qualification journey. With only one point from four matches, Lesotho sits at the bottom of Group B. Their only positive result in the qualifiers came from a goalless draw against Gabon, a small consolation in a campaign marked by three losses, including a recent 2-0 defeat to Gabon. Unfortunately, this elimination means Lesotho will miss AFCON qualification for the 10th consecutive time since their debut attempt in 2000-01.

Despite the lackluster results, Lesotho ended an eight-match winless run with a morale-boosting penalty shootout victory over Namibia in an African Nations Championship qualifier. Head coach Leslie Notsi and his squad will look to carry forward any momentum from that win into this matchup.

Central African Republic’s Qualification Hopes

For the Central African Republic, this game is a must-win as they aim to keep their slim qualification hopes alive. Currently third in the group with three points, they must not only defeat Lesotho but also rely on Gabon losing to Morocco to potentially secure a spot in the tournament.

CAR’s qualifying campaign started promisingly with a 3-1 victory over Lesotho in their opening match. However, their momentum faltered with three straight defeats, conceding 11 goals without scoring in that period. Last month’s 4-1 loss to Morocco prompted CAR’s football association to sack head coach Raoul Savoy, marking the end of his nearly four-year tenure. Former CAR captain Eloge Enza-Yamissi has since stepped in as caretaker manager, hoping to inspire his team to victory and keep their AFCON dreams alive.

Key Match Details

Teams: Lesotho vs. Central African Republic
Date: November 14, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM UK
Venue: Free State Toyota Stadium, South Africa (Neutral venue due to CAF’s stadium regulations)
Competition: Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers (Group B)

Team News

Lesotho National Football Team’s Lineup and Key Players

Head coach Leslie Notsi has retained five key players who impressed during their recent African Nations Championship qualifiers against Namibia. The squad includes new, promising players who could make an impact:

Paseka Maile: Reliable defender known for solid performances in the backline.
Mpho Hlephole and Hlompho Kalake: Midfielders with potential to control the tempo of the game.
Thabo Mafatle: Energetic forward with a flair for creating scoring opportunities.
Lemohang Lintsa: Forward and Limkokwing University FC’s Player of the Year, who netted 18 goals last season.

Lesotho will look to this blend of youth and experience to put up a spirited performance and aim to end their AFCON qualifying campaign on a positive note.

Lesotho National Football Team’s Possible Starting Lineup:

Goalkeeper: Moerane
Defenders: Matlabe, Makele, Rasethuntsa, Sefoli
Midfielders: Makoele, Lebokollane, Taba, Bereng, Molane
Forward: Motebang

Central African Republic National Football Team’s Lineup and Key Players

Central African Republic is expected to stick with a familiar lineup, banking on their seasoned players to secure a much-needed victory. Caretaker manager Eloge Enza-Yamissi will likely look to these key players:

Louis Mafouta: Striker who has scored six goals in 13 matches for Amiens in France’s Ligue 2, known for his clinical finishing.
Geoffrey Kondogbia: The Marseille midfielder brings experience and skill to the central area, critical for linking defense to attack.
Goduine Koyalipou: CSKA Sofia playmaker, likely to operate in a supporting role behind Mafouta, adding creative flair and vision.

Central African Republic National Football Team’s Possible Starting Lineup:

Goalkeeper: Lambe
Defenders: Yangao, Yambere, Zanganga, Ndobe
Midfielders: Ngoma, Pirioya, Kondogbia, Namnganga
Forward: Koyalipou, Mafouta

Match Prediction

Lesotho has introduced a few promising young players in their squad, which could improve their chances of a strong showing. However, CAR has a superior squad on paper, with experience in their lineup and the urgency of needing a win to keep qualification hopes alive.

Predicted Score:
Lesotho 1-2 Central African Republic

CAR’s attacking prowess, especially with players like Mafouta, Kondogbia, and Koyalipou, is expected to give them the edge in this match, though Lesotho’s home-crowd advantage in South Africa could see them put up a tough fight.

Where to Watch Lesotho vs. Central African Republic Live

USA: Fox Sports USA (English)
UK: ITV
Lesotho: Local broadcasters
Central African Republic: Local broadcasters

Final Thoughts

As Group B nears its climax, the match between Lesotho and CAR carries different stakes for each team. For Lesotho, it’s an opportunity to showcase new talent and finish their campaign with pride. For CAR, it’s a crucial test to keep their slim qualification hopes alive. All eyes will be on the Free State Toyota Stadium as these two teams go head-to-head for one last chance to impact their AFCON qualification journeys.