Lesotho head coach Thabo Senong said he long period his players have been in camp has helped to improve their relationship and understanding.

Senong named the squad that will play against Sierra Leone and Nigeria for the 

Total Africa Cup of Nations Group L final qualifying matches respectively.

The Crocodiles will host the Leone Stars in Maseru on Saturday and will be followed by a long trip to West Africa to take on the Super Eagles in Lagos on Tuesday.

With key players like Jane Thabantso and Lisema Lebokolloane, were not selected due to injuries.

Also, American based Lesia Thetsane as well as Thabiso Brown playing his football in Bolivia will also not be part of the squad for the two matches which is a major setback for Senong.

Speaking after unveiling his squad, the Crocodiles head coach said it was good to start early.

“I must say, we were very fortunate to start early with the local based players because they had a long layoff after football activities were suspended in the country due to COVID-19,” Senong said.

“Starting early helped us a lot because we needed to bring the fitness levels of our players back, which we really did. 

“The players are looking fit now, but of course playing and training are two different things.

“We managed to play two practice matches against South African clubs and we tried because the players didn’t really battle in terms of fitness. 

“I must say, the long camp has also helped to improve the relationship and understanding a lot between the players,” he concluded.

Lesotho is at the bottom of Group L with two points from their four games played thus far.