Lesotho coach vows to fight on against AFCON qualifying favourites Gabon

Likuena are still searching for their first points after suffering defeats to Niger and Morocco in their opening fixtures as they continue to pursue qualification for the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Despite the difficult start, Mafoso has refused to throw in the towel, believing his charges can still compete and challenge Gabon for a positive result.

"It's going to be a very difficult match and we have to do well in all the different phases whether that is with or without the ball."

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Mafoso emphasised the need to be genuine about their chances against strong opponents with impressive rankings. 

"We are really working on ourselves and we believe in the players we have as difficult as it may be right now. We are realistic but we are also brave enough to compete against anyone."

He added that Gabon not being a closed book was useful in their preparations.