It is a home fixture for the Likuena, who have used Bloemfontein as their home base for international matches in recent years. This time, however, they face a massive challenge against the number one-ranked team in Africa in the second round of qualifying.

On Friday, the Atlas Lions got their qualifying campaign off to a winning start with a 2-0 victory over Gabon in Rabat. Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Al Ain FC striker Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory with a goal in the 84th minute.

Lesotho, meanwhile, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger in their opening qualifier in Accra, Ghana.

While Morocco are ranked considerably higher than Lesotho in the world rankings, Likuena have shown that they are more than capable of punching above their weight. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Lesotho proved to be a difficult opponent for several of Africa’s heavyweight nations, including Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Bafana Bafana.

For Likuena, facing a team packed with the calibre and experience of the Atlas Lions represents a daunting challenge, but it is also a huge opportunity for the players to showcase their talent on a major stage.

Tlotliso Letsema in action against Seychelles in Bloemfontein - Morgan Piek

Mikia Kilati of the Lesotho Football Association told OFM Sport that they are fully aware of the size of the task ahead, but stressed that this is exactly the type of occasion the players dream about.

“Everyone will be watching because when you play against a player like Achraf Hakimi, and a Morocco side with players playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, it is a massive opportunity – not only for the players, but for the country as a whole.

“Even the youngsters at our academy want to come and watch these players because they look up to them. They want to be like the Hakimis of this world and like Motebang Sera. So, it is very important for our players to come to the party, as they did against teams such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast, when everyone was talking about Lesotho.

Teboho Letsema - Morgan Piek

“It is important for the players to understand the significance of this game, and I believe they do. It is a big occasion for us as the Lesotho Football Association and for Lesotho as a whole.

“That is why we are calling on everyone, including the Basotho community in the Free State and across South Africa, to come and support us.

“Morocco is a star-studded team, and people will be travelling from different provinces to watch this match. It is going to be a very special occasion for Lesotho.”

Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester Untied scored against Gabon on Friday - X

With a star-studded Morocco side in town, the Toyota Stadium is expectNoussair Mazraouied to provide a colourful backdrop for what promises to be one of the biggest football occasions Bloemfontein has hosted this year.

For Likuena, the challenge is enormous, but so too is the opportunity to make a statement against one of Africa’s footballing giants.

Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Lesotho and Morocco at the Toyota Stadium will kick-off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport