It’s truly a case of David versus Goliath. Lesotho are ranked 150th in the world according to the latest FIFA rankings, while the Atlas Lions of Morocco are the number-one ranked team in Africa and, more impressively, have climbed to fifth in the world.

The Moroccans have opted to send their big guns to the Free State. Not only many of their best players, but some of the biggest names in world football, are set to take the field. It has been confirmed that Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain, Brahim Díaz of Real Madrid, Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United, and Ayyoub Bouaddi of Manchester City are all in line for action.

Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain. Photo: Morgan Piek

There is little doubt that Morocco will go into the encounter as favourites to claim all three points, but the team from the Mountain Kingdom have developed a reputation for upsetting the odds against bigger nations.

More importantly, though, sharing the pitch with some of Europe’s elite players presents an invaluable opportunity for Likuena to test themselves at the highest level.

Lesotho captain and goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane told OFM Sport that his team certainly needs no extra motivation heading into the clash. Instead, they are determined to make the most of the opportunity and put themselves in the shop window.

“It’s a good opportunity for us,” said Moerane.

“We’re very excited about playing against some of the best players in Africa, who play in Europe. It’s such a good opportunity for us, and we want to do well against them so that we can be seen by big clubs in Europe or here in Africa.”

Coach Bob Mafoso, meanwhile, believes his players must embrace the challenge, but remain grounded and approach the occasion with the seriousness it deserves.

Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United. Photo: Morgan Piek

“You don’t play against the calibre of Morocco every FIFA calendar window,” said Mafoso.

“It’s rare that you meet this quality, so it’s important for our players to keep their heads and remain humble.

“In the past, we have played very well against bigger sides, but the next step is consistency. If we can hold bigger nations to draws or lose by smaller margins, we need to build on that.

“A once-off performance against a big nation doesn’t take us anywhere. For our players to be seen by the world, they don’t have to be excited – they need to be serious about their work and be on their toes.”

Adding another layer to the contest, rain is forecast for Bloemfontein on Tuesday, with a chance of showers during the match. A wet and potentially slippery Toyota Stadium surface could make for a fascinating contest and may offer Lesotho an opportunity to unsettle Morocco’s rhythm.

For Likuena, the target is clear: a first win in Group A. For Morocco, the expectation is to underline their status as one of the world’s leading football nations.

Abdessamad Ezzalzouli previous played for Barcelona in Spain. Photo: Morgan Piek

Tuesday’s 2027 AFCON qualifier between Lesotho and Morocco at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein will kick off at 15:00.

Morocco squad:

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (AS FAR), Alaa Bellaarouch (Dinamo Bucharest)

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (Panathinaikos), Marwane Saâdane (Al-Fateh), Nayef Aguerd (Marseille), Redouane Halhal (Venezia), Issa Diop (Ipswich Town), Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal (Rennes), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Hamburg), Ali Maamar (Anderlecht)

Midfielders: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Manchester City), Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Neil El Aynaoui (RB Leipzig), Oussama Targhalline (Feyenoord), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Soufiane El-Faouzi (Schalke), Azzedine Ounahi (Panathinaikos), Ismael Saibari (Bayern Munich)

Forwards: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Abdellah Ouazane (Ajax), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Yassir Zabiri (Racing Santander), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Tawfik Bentayeb (Anderlecht)

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs