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Zambia Daily Mail by Online Editor on 6/6/13
LESOTHO players on arrival at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola yesterday. – Picture by CHISHALA MUSONDA.
By CHISHALA MUSONDA
HARD work can yield victory for the Crocodiles, Lesotho coach Leslie Notsi has warned favourites Zambia in tomorrow’s 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifier.
“Playing the likes of Zambia is a motivation to us as an upcoming footballing country to do well against them,” Notsi said upon arrival at Ndola’s Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport yesterday.
“We are here…we have come here to win and not here to play the fixture and go home. If we work hard enough, something will come out on the day as a surprise.”
The Likuena arrived at about midday on a chartered flight courtesy of businessman Sam Matekane.
Zambia lead Group D on seven points, one better than main rivals Ghana who face bottom-placed Sudan tonight in Khartoum.
Lesotho are on two points while Sudan have a point.
Notsi said Lesotho have had good preparations for the clash against Zambia.
He said the 0-2 loss to South Africa in an international friendly last Sunday accorded the technical bench an opportunity to work on weak spots.
“Lucky enough we had an international friendly against South Africa, which we lost, but there are other very good aspects we got from the match.
“I would say for this coming match on Saturday (tomorrow), we are set for the game and at the same time we are aware it is going to be a very tough encounter but I believe my boys are physically and mentally ready for the game,” Notsi said.
Lesotho and Zambia drew 1-1 on March 24 in Maseru.
And defender Moitheri Ntobo said Lesotho are charged up and looking forward to picking three points at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
“We drew 1-1 in the first leg and we are expecting to win,” he said.
A loss or draw will put Zambia’s chase for the maiden World Cup slot in disarray as only the top teams in the 10 groups will qualify to the last round.
Zambia host Sudan next Saturday before travelling to Kumasi to face Ghana in the final Group D match in September.
Meanwhile, in the Zambia camp coach Herve Renard concentrated on sharpening scoring abilities as the Chipolopolo have scored only three times in the last four matches.
In the last four competitive matches this year, Zambia have scored three times, the same number of goals conceded.
Zambia drew 1-1 with Ethiopia and Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa and were held to a goalless draw by Burkina Faso for the 2012 champions to bow out of the tournament in the group stage.
During the morning workout at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium annex field, the team was perfecting scoring from set pieces, corner kicks situations and finishing from crosses from the flanks.
The Lesotho team:
Goalkeepers: Kholoue Phasumane and Mohau Kuenane
Defenders: Thabo Masualle, Janfeke Molibeli, Bokang Mothoana, Moitheri
Ntobo, Tlali Maile, Nkau Lerotholi and Ngoako Mapheelle.
Midfielders: Ralekoti Mpkhahlane, Motlalepula Mofolo, Litsepe Marabe,
Tsiu Moorosi and Katleho Moleko.
Strikers: Tsepo Seturumane, Mojela Letsie, Lehlomela Ramabele, Tsepo
Lekhooana, Thulo Ranchobe and Mabuti Potloane.
