Lesotho's national football team, Likuena, is gearing up for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Gabon, but coach Bob Mafoso has expressed concerns over the declining fitness levels of his players. The team began their preparations with a non-residential training camp on Monday, which included medical examinations and physical assessments. Mafoso and his technical team are regrouping with the players following Likuena's disappointing defeats in their previous two AFCON qualifiers.
The latest physical assessments have revealed a decline in performance among some players, raising concerns ahead of the crucial encounters. According to Mafoso, the results of the team's Bronco Test, a high-intensity shuttle run designed to measure aerobic capacity, speed endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness, have exposed a drop in aerobic fitness and endurance. The test results showed that about 80 percent of the players had previously completed the test in four minutes and 28 seconds, but their latest times had deteriorated to four minutes and 52 seconds.
Mafoso, however, refused to use the decline as an excuse, insisting that the technical team still had three weeks to work on improving the players' condition before the matches. He expressed confidence that the players would improve, stating that they understand the importance of fitness in modern football and the pressure they face on the international stage. The coach emphasized that the team's response needed to be evident in their preparations rather than only on match day.
The fitness concerns come at a difficult time for Likuena, who need positive results against Gabon to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON finals after losing their opening two matches. Mafoso said the players understood the pressure surrounding the upcoming fixtures and that it should not only be felt on the day of the game but also reflected in how they prepare. The team will move into a residential camp next Monday as they intensify their preparations.
Mafoso also expressed concern over the players' strength levels, indicating that physical conditioning remained an area requiring urgent attention. He stressed that the team would work towards improvement, and the players were trying to stay in shape despite the challenges. The coach's concerns highlight the challenges facing Likuena as they seek to turn their fortunes around and achieve a positive result against Gabon.
Likuena will face Gabon's Panthers in the third and fourth matches of Group A when the qualifiers resume in November. Gabon will host the first leg in Libreville on 13 November, before the two sides meet again at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on 17 November. The team's performance in these matches will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON finals.
The upcoming matches against Gabon will be a significant test for Likuena, and Mafoso's concerns over the team's fitness levels add to the pressure. However, the coach remains optimistic that his team can improve and achieve a positive result. With three weeks to work on their fitness and preparations, Likuena will look to turn their fortunes around and make a strong challenge for a spot in the 2027 AFCON finals.
Key points
- Likuena coach Bob Mafoso has raised concerns over the declining fitness levels of his players ahead of the team's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon.
- The team's physical assessments have revealed a decline in aerobic fitness and endurance, with 80 percent of players taking longer to complete the Bronco Test than in previous assessments.
- Mafoso remains optimistic that the team can improve their fitness levels and achieve a positive result against Gabon, despite the challenges they face.
