WITH eyes set on finishing top of Group B, Lesotho open their 2013 COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup campaign against tricky East African guests, Kenya at the Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe today.
However, Kenya's Harambee Stars would be facing the Likuena of Lesotho just some few hours after jetting into Zambia.
The Kenyans' arrival had been delayed to allow their players fulfil their Kenya Premier League fixtures with their respective clubs at the weekend.
COSAFA co-ordinator for the Copperbelt, Roch Henriette said during a Press briefing in Kitwe at the weekend that the Kenyans were expected to land at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola on a mid-morning flight today.
With little time to rest before their match against Lesotho, the Harambee Stars technical bench is sweating over the players' ability to play effective since they would still be exhausted.
"We have league fixtures which must be honoured, but we also want to be in Zambia on time to honour our Monday match. We need the Gor, AFC and Bandari players in the team because we have no choice, but I fear the boys will not have rested enough, which could impact negatively on the result.
"It is a tough call, because players need rest. Playing three matches in three days will be tough, but we have to meet our end of the bargain," Harambee Stars assistant coach, James Nandwa told the Kenya's Nation newspaper.
Lesotho will hope to capitalise on their fatigued opponents and cruise to victory and move a step towards qualifying to the COSAFA Cup quarter-finals.
After failing to win a single game in their last five FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Lesotho coach, Leslie Notsi will be seeking better fortunes on his second return to Zambia.
Last month, Zambia thrashed Lesotho 4-0 in the Group D World Cup qualifier in Ndola.
Notsi has brought almost unchanged squad that took part in the World Cup qualifying series and hopes the players will be able to sparkle in the regional football showpiece.
"We're taking the COSAFA Cup seriously. We respect all teams in the group with humility but we're optimistic of performing well," he said.
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