Lesotho To Host World Cup Qualifiers In Polokwane

Lesotho will relocate their last two World Cup qualifiers from Bloemfontein to Polokwane after the Free State Stadium was deemed unfit for use due to the poor condition of the pitch.

The kingdom lacks venues that meet international standards, prompting Lesotho to utilise facilities across South Africa in recent World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns for their home matches.

Their most recent ‘home’ game against South Africa took place at the Free State Stadium last month, where the pitch conditions drew heavy criticism, and there were discussions about moving the match to the Petrus Molemela Stadium.

South Africa also used the Free State Stadium shortly after to host Nigeria, facing similar criticism for the dreadful pitch conditions.

Lesotho had planned to conclude their World Cup qualifying campaign at home against Nigeria on 10 October and Zimbabwe on 13 October in Bloemfontein, but these matches will now be held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, confirmed officials from the Confederation of African Football.

Lesotho currently sits on nine points in Group C, having been awarded a 3-0 win from their fixture against South Africa in March, where the latter fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena.

Zimbabwe will also hold their final ‘home’ match in Group C in South Africa due to a lack of suitable venues, choosing Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to face Bafana Bafana on 10 October.

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