Thrilling turnaround: Lesotho seal AFCON progress after Seychelles lead

Lesotho came from behind to defeat Seychelles 2-1 in their second-leg encounter on Sunday, sealing qualification for the next round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary campaign after a closely contested tie.

Match action and key moments

The result followed a goalless draw in the first leg, where neither side was able to break the deadlock, leaving the contest evenly poised ahead of the return fixture.

That stalemate set the stage for a decisive second leg, with both teams aware that a single moment could determine who would progress.

On Sunday, it was Seychelles who made the brighter start.

The visitors applied early pressure and showed composure in possession, unsettling the hosts and limiting their attacking opportunities.

Their disciplined structure and efficiency in front of goal allowed them to take control of the match during the opening period.

Lesotho, known as Likuena, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half.

Much of their play lacked the cutting edge required to break through a well-organised Seychellois defence.

As the half progressed, Seychelles capitalised on their momentum and found the breakthrough, taking a 1-0 lead into the interval.

At that stage, the balance of the tie had shifted. With the first leg ending 0-0, Seychelles held the advantage and appeared in a strong position to see out the contest.

Their ability to manage the game and maintain their shape had frustrated the hosts, who faced increasing pressure to respond.

However, the second half brought a marked change in approach from Lesotho.

Emerging from the break with renewed urgency, the home side began to press higher up the pitch and commit more players forward.

Their play became more direct, while their organisation improved across all areas of the field.

This shift in intensity disrupted Seychelles’ earlier control and gradually swung momentum in favour of Lesotho.

As the half wore on, Lesotho’s persistence began to yield results. Their sharper attacking movement and greater cohesion created openings that had been absent in the first half.

Seychelles, who had looked comfortable before the break, were forced to defend deeper and contend with sustained pressure.

The equaliser arrived as Lesotho capitalised on their improved performance, restoring parity in the match and bringing the tie back into balance. With the score level, the hosts continued to push forward, sensing an opportunity to complete the turnaround.

Their efforts were eventually rewarded with a second goal, completing the comeback and putting them ahead on the day.

The 2-1 scoreline reflected a significant shift in the contest, underlining the impact of their second-half display.

Seychelles, who had shown organisation and clinical finishing earlier in the match, were unable to regain their foothold after conceding.

Despite their earlier advantage, they struggled to respond to Lesotho’s increased intensity and attacking pressure.

By the final whistle, Lesotho had done enough to secure victory and progress from the tie.

The turnaround not only ensured a 2-1 win in the second leg but also confirmed their advancement to the second round of the preliminary qualifiers.

The two-legged encounter highlighted the fine margins between the sides.

While Seychelles impressed with their structure and execution in the first half of the second leg, Lesotho’s resilience and tactical adjustment after the break ultimately proved decisive.

Having navigated a challenging tie that began with a stalemate and required a comeback in the decisive match, Lesotho now move forward in the qualification process for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.