Lesotho coach Veselin Jelusic says Saturday’s friendly draw away to Malawi was good preparation for next month’s 2023 AFCON Group H qualifier doubleheader against Chipolopolo.
Jelusic’s home-based call-up drew 1-1 away to Malawi at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe in a match Lesotho was using as build-up ahead of their away and home clash against Zambia in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
“The result is not important for us. What is important are our preparations for the AFCON qualifier against Zambia,” Jelusic said in a post0-match interview.
“But the Malawi team is a strong team. They had more chances during the game but in the second half, we were a better team. Overall, I am satisfied.”
Micium Mhone put Malawi ahead in the 23rd minute to see The Flames take a one-nil halftime lead.
It took until the 73rd minute for Lesotho to find the equaliser through striker Jane Thabantso who converted a penalty from Miracle Gabeya handball.
Zambia will host Lesotho on March 23 in the first leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The final leg will be played on March 26 at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.
Lesotho cannot host its home games in Maseru because its home ground does not meet CAF specifications to stage competitive international matches.
Zambia is third in Group H tied on 3 points with second-placed Comoros after two rounds of matches played.
Lesotho is bottom with 1 point while Cote d’Ivoire lead with 4 points after two rounds of matches played.
