Lesotho strengthened their grip at the top of group C in the 2023 Cosafa Cup, following their hard-fought 1-0 win against Mozambique at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Monday night.
On the back of a 2-0 win over Mauritius in their Cosafa Cup opener last week, Lesotho made it two wins out of two against the Mambas.
Likuena now occupy top spot in group C, holding a three-point gap over Mauritius, who are in second-spot.
As the referee blew the first-half whistle, Mozambique got the game off to a positive note and saw most of the ball during the opening exchanges. With careful build-up play, Mozambique often went forward with pace and intent, much to the distress of the Lesotho defence.
Mozambique continued to pile on the pressure as the 15th-minute mark approached as Lesotho were reduced to attacking their opposition half in patches.
Lesotho managed to claw their way back into the game soon before the half-hour mark and took the game to Mozambique. However, the Mambas sat tight in an attempt to ward off Lesotho’s attacks.
After having progressive moments upfield, Lesotho took the lead in the 34th minute as Neo Mokhachane got his name on the scoresheet.
In making Mozambique pay for static defending, Lesotho bypassed the Mambas backline with intricate passing on the edge of the area, as Rethabile Rasethuntsa squared the ball to Neo Mokhachane who guided the ball home from close range.
With the wind in their sails, Lesotho ended the half as the better team, holding a slender 1-0 advantage.
As the second half commenced, Lesotho looked comfortable on the ball and played with confidence on the ball. Mozambique, however, did not hold back and actively searched for an equaliser.
The Mambas struggled to get back into the game as a result of Lesotho's forward thrust and battled to emulate the momentum showcased in the early stages of the first 45.
Mozambique gained a bit of structure with around 15 minutes left on the clock and penned Lesotho back as they attempted to get back in the tie. However, Likuena kicked into game-management mode while defending their quarters.
Lesotho were afforded a couple of opportunities to double their tally on the night but failed to convert their goal-scoring chances toward the end of the tie. However, Mokhachane’s 34th-minute effort was enough for Likuena as they bagged maximum points at the Princess Magogo Stadium.
Mozambique: (0) 0
Lesotho: (1) 1 (Mokhachane 34’)
Mozambique: Guembe, Agosthino Mutambe (Muze 80’), Chico Muchanga, Thauzene, Domingos, Antonio, Esteve Melo, Momade, Jone Bonde, Divrassone (Lorenzoni 80’), Alexandre (Isac 62’)
Lesotho: Moerane, Rasethuntsa, Mkwanazi, Makepe, Malane, Lesaoana, Bereng (Fothoane 76’), Lebokollane, Mokhachane, Thabantso (Makha 76’), Sefali