Preview: Lesotho vs. Botswana - prediction, team news, lineups

Lesotho are looking to record a second COSAFA Cup victory on the bounce when they lock horns against Botswana on Friday.

Meanwhile, Botswana come into the contest fresh off the back of an opening defeat last time out and in need of a lift.

Match preview

Lesotho bounced back from a defeat in their first group match to claim an impressive 2-1 win over Senegal on Thursday.

Leslie Notsi's men showed great resolve to come a goal down thanks to two second-half goals from half-time substitute Sera Motebang.

The Likuena have picked up three points from two matches and currently sit fourth in Group A with the most goals conceded in the competition so far.

Their record against Friday's opponents does not make for good reading, as they have lost each of the last two meetings between the sides.

With a crucial game against South Africa to follow, Lesotho will want to strengthen their position in the group before they face off against this year's host nation.

Botswana suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against South Africa when the sides clashed at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday.

Kagiso Malinga's opener midway through the second half was enough to settle a tense and pulsating contest in Port Elizabeth.

Adel Amrouche's men are bottom of Group A at the moment, but they still have enough time to turn their fortunes around.

The Zebras are featuring in the group stages for the first time since 2016, having made their entry at the quarter-final stage in each of the last two editions of the tournament.

Team News

Following his two-goal haul off the bench last time out, Sera Motebang is expected to be rewarded with a starting spot this time around.

Most likely to make way for Motebang in the XI is Nkoto Masoabi, who was hauled off in the last game after a torrid day against Zambia.

Tumelo Makha also impressed as a substitute in the aforementioned game where he set up his side's 88th-minute winner, but he may have to make do with a cameo appearance for the second match running.

Mpho Kgomo was the only Botswana substitute that was given a look-in versus South Africa, and he could be given the nod right from this off on Saturday.

In the middle of the park, Gape Mohutsiwa could also be dropped to the bench for the more experienced Fortunate Thulare.

Lesotho possible starting lineup:
Moerane; Rasethuntsa, Makepe, Lerotholi, Malane; Lebokollane, Fothoane, Bereng; Brown, Khutlang, Motebang

Botswana possible starting lineup:
Morake; Johnson, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Leinnanyane; Mpolokang, Thulare, Boy; Elias, Setsile, Kgamanyane

We say: Lesotho 0-1 Botswana

Botswana's record in this fixture make them huge favourites to emerge victorious once again. While we anticipate a close game, we are also backing Botswana to get the better of their opponents, albeit by a narrow margin.