Lesotho national football team

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NicknameLikuena (Crocodiles)
AssociationLesotho Football Association (LeFA)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCOSAFA (Southern Africa)
Lesotho
NicknameLikuena (Crocodiles)
AssociationLesotho Football Association (LeFA)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCOSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coachBob Atang Mafoso
CaptainSekhoane Moerane
Most capsJane Thabantso (98)
Top scorerJane Thabantso (15)
Home stadiumSetsoto Stadium
FIFA codeLES
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 145 Decrease 2 (1 April 2026)[1]
Highest105 (August 2014)
Lowest185 (August 2011)
First international
 Lesotho 2–1 Malawi 
(Malawi; 8 August 1970)
Biggest win
 Lesotho 5–0 Swaziland 
(Maseru, Lesotho; 14 April 2006)
Biggest defeat
 Zambia 9–0 Lesotho 
(Botswana; 8 August 1988)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances22 (first in 1997)
Best resultRunners-up (2000, 2023)
Medal record
COSAFA Cup
Silver medal – second place2000 Southern AfricaTeam
Silver medal – second place2023 South AfricaTeam
Bronze medal – third place2018 South AfricaTeam

The Lesotho national football team, also known as LNFT, represents Lesotho in men's international association football and is governed by the Lesotho Football Association.

Following Lesotho's independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, the Lesotho Football Association was created, and later, the Lesotho national football team, which played its first match on 7 August 1970 against Malawi, where Lesotho won 2-1.

Lesotho participated in its first World Cup qualifiers, for the 1974 tournament, drawing 0–0 against Zambia at home before losing 1–6 in the second leg and getting eliminated. Lesotho was also eliminated in the first round of qualifying for the 1974 AFCON, losing 1–5 to Mauritius after a 0–0 draw in the first leg. Lesotho faced Mauritius again in their next attempt to qualify for 1980 AFCON, losing on away goals. In qualifying for the 1982 tournament, Lesotho lost 3–7 on aggregate to Mozambique. Lesotho then faced Guinea in the 1982 World Cup first qualification round, losing 4–2 on aggregate.

Lesotho won their first ever qualification tie during the 1994 AFCON qualifiers, beating Botswana 4–0 on aggregate, with all four goals coming in the second leg in Botswana. With this victory they entered the group stage of qualifying, managing to draw against Kenya (2–2), Zaire (1–1), and Mozambique (1–1) at home, but losing all three away fixtures to finish bottom of the group.

Lesotho withdrew from the 1996 AFCON qualification and was subsequently banned from the next tournament therefore next entered the 2000 AFCON qualifiers, losing in the first round to Mauritius. Lesotho qualified for the 1999 COSAFA Cup after beating Namibia 1–0, but lost to eventual winners Angola 0–1 in the quarter-finals. The following year Lesotho produced their best ever finish at the 2000 COSAFA Cup, only qualifying for the tournament via disciplinary record. They beat Zambia 3–1 on penalties before scoring two late goals against Angola in the semi-finals to win 2–1. In the final they lost 3–0 twice across two legs to Zimbabwe to finish as runners-up.

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2025

21 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification South Africa  0–3[a]  Lesotho Polokwane, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium
5 June 2025 COSAFA Cup Malawi  0–1  Lesotho Bloemfontein, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Report Ntaitsane 87' Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Patrice Milazar (Mauritius)
8 June 2025 COSAFA Cup Angola  4–0  Lesotho Bloemfontein, South Africa
12:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium
Referee: Akhona Makalima (South Africa)
10 June 2025 COSAFA Cup Namibia  3–0  Lesotho Bloemfontein, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium
Referee: Thabang Ketshabile (Botswana)
15 November Friendly Malawi  0–0  Lesotho Bloemfontein, South Africa
16:00 UTC+2 Report Stadium: Toyota Stadium
18 November Friendly Malawi  1–0  Lesotho Bloemfontein, South Africa
16:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Toyota Stadium

2026

29 March 2026 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Lesotho  2–1  Seychelles Bloemfontein, South Africa
17:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Toyota Stadium
Referee: Gerson Esono (Equatorial Guinea)

Managers

Zaviša Milosavljević, here in the middle of the Pakistan national football team staff, became the manager of Lesotho in 2007
Caretaker manager are listed in italics.

Players

Current squad

The following players were selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group C matches against South Africa and Rwanda on 21 and 25 March 2025.[3][4]

Caps and goals correct as of 25 March 2025, after the match against Rwanda.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Sekhoane Moerane (1997-09-18) 18 September 1997 (age 28) 48 1 South African Football Association Orbit College
1GK Tankiso Chaba (1995-12-27) 27 December 1995 (age 30) 7 0 Lesotho Football Association Lesotho Correctional Services
1GK Nthebe Majoro (1998-07-21) 21 July 1998 (age 27) 0 0 Lesotho Football Association Police Service
2DF Rethabile Rasethuntsa (1994-11-22) 22 November 1994 (age 31) 45 1 Lesotho Football Association Linare
2DF Motlomelo Mkhwanazi (1994-11-05) 5 November 1994 (age 31) 40 1 South African Football Association Kruger United
2DF Thabang Malane (1997-06-10) 10 June 1997 (age 28) 40 0 South African Football Association African All Stars
2DF Rethabile Mokokoane (1996-04-06) 6 April 1996 (age 30) 22 1 Lesotho Football Association Matlama
2DF Thabo Makhele (1994-12-17) 17 December 1994 (age 31) 13 0 South African Football Association Chippa United
2DF Lehlohonolo Matsau (1997-03-06) 6 March 1997 (age 29) 13 0 Lesotho Football Association Lesotho Defence Force
2DF Thato Sefoli (1995-05-22) 22 May 1995 (age 30) 8 0 South African Football Association Upington City
2DF Fusi Matlabe (2000-05-23) 23 May 2000 (age 25) 5 0 South African Football Association Mpheni Home Defenders
3MF Tsepo Toloane (1997-07-15) 15 July 1997 (age 28) 57 0 Lesotho Football Association Lesotho Defence Force
3MF Lisema Lebokollane (1993-02-25) 25 February 1993 (age 33) 54 0 Lesotho Football Association Matlama
3MF Lehlohonolo Fothoane (1997-02-23) 23 February 1997 (age 29) 42 3 Botswana Football Association Township Rollers
3MF Tshwarelo Bereng (1990-10-30) 30 October 1990 (age 35) 42 2 South African Football Association Orbit College
3MF Thabo Matšoele (1993-05-23) 23 May 1993 (age 32) 20 0 Lesotho Football Association Linare
3MF Mokoteli Mohapi (1998-01-24) 24 January 1998 (age 28) 2 0 Lesotho Football Association Lioli
4FW Hlompho Kalake (1994-09-02) 2 September 1994 (age 31) 60 9 Lesotho Football Association Bantu
4FW Neo Mokhachane (1996-09-22) 22 September 1996 (age 29) 26 4 Botswana Football Association Jwaneng Galaxy
4FW Katleho Makateng (1998-09-20) 20 September 1998 (age 27) 27 3 Lesotho Football Association Lesotho Defence Force
4FW Lemohang Lintša (1992-04-03) 3 April 1992 (age 34) 7 0 Lesotho Football Association Limkokwing University
4FW Mohlomi Makhetha (2000-09-21) 21 September 2000 (age 25) 6 0 Lesotho Football Association Lesotho Correctional Services
4FW Keketso Snyder (1990-10-16) 16 October 1990 (age 35) 3 0 Lesotho Football Association Lesotho Correctional Services


Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Lesotho squad within the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Seahlolo Mosoeu (2003-05-03) 3 May 2003 (age 22) 2 0 Lesotho Lesotho Correctional Services v.  Ethiopia; 24 March 2024
GK Monaheng Ramalefane (1998-12-22) 22 December 1998 (age 27) 4 0 Lesotho Matlama v.  South Africa; 11 January 2024
DF Motete John Mohai (1998-05-01) 1 May 1998 (age 27) 6 0 Lesotho Matlama v.  Rwanda; 11 June 2024
DF Kopano Tšeka (1991-11-08) 8 November 1991 (age 34) 50 1 Lesotho Lioli v.  Namibia; 1 June 2024
DF Bokang Sello (1994-08-08) 8 August 1994 (age 31) 32 0 Botswana Police v.  South Africa; 11 January 2024
DF Rethabile Senkoto (1998-01-16) 16 January 1998 (age 28) 12 0 Lesotho Lifofane v.  South Africa; 11 January 2024
MF Tumelo Khutlang (1995-10-23) 23 October 1995 (age 30) 47 3 Lesotho Lioli 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Tsepang Sefali (1996-07-07) 7 July 1996 (age 29) 20 0 Lesotho Bantu 2024 COSAFA CupINJ
MF Thabo Lesaoana (1993-11-07) 7 November 1993 (age 32) 18 0 Lesotho Bantu v.  Rwanda; 11 June 2024
MF Alfred Mosoeu (1997-05-21) 21 May 1997 (age 28) 1 0 South Africa Mangaung Unite v.  South Africa; 11 January 2024
MF Tumelo Shai (2005-05-10) 10 May 2005 (age 20) 1 0 South Africa Kaizer Chiefs v.  South Africa; 11 January 2024
FW Jane Thabantso (1996-01-22) 22 January 1996 (age 30) 92 15 Lesotho Matlama v.  Gabon; 15 October 2024
FW Thabiso Brown (1995-10-03) 3 October 1995 (age 30) 16 1 China Jiangxi Lushan v.  South Africa; 11 January 2024

INJ Withdrew due to injury
PRE Preliminary squad / standby
RET Retired from the national team
SUS Serving suspension
WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Player records

As of 18 November 2025[5]
Players in bold are still active with Lesotho.

Most appearances

Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Jane Thabantso 99 15 2014–present
2 Sera Motebang 76 12 2016–present
3 Basia Makepe 69 1 2012–2023
4 Nkau Lerotholi 68 2 2008–2021
5 Tšepo Toloane 65 0 2018–present
6 Hlompho Kalake 63 11 2015–present
7 Lisema Lebokollane 56 0 2019–present
8 Sekhoane Moerane 55 1 2019–present
9 Tšoanelo Koetle 54 2 2011–2021
10 Bushi Moletsane 53 3 2004–2015

Top goalscorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Jane Thabantso 15 99 0.15 2014–present
2 Sera Motebang 12 76 0.16 2016–present
3 Hlompho Kalake 11 63 0.17 2015–present
4 Refiloe Potse 9 23 0.39 1998–2009
5 Tsepo Seturumane 8 38 0.21 2013–2020
6 Thapelo Tale 7 45 0.16 2008–2019
7 Teele Ntšonyana 5 19 0.26 1995–2004
Majara Masupha 5 20 0.25 1998–2004
Motlatsi Shale 5 22 0.23 1998–2006
10 Thulo Ranchobe 4 23 0.17 2003–2013
Sello Muso 4 29 0.14 2006–2009
Neo Mokhachane 4 30 0.13 2021–present
Lehlohonolo Seema 4 35 0.11 1998–2008
Ralekoti Mokhahlane 4 38 0.11 2006–2018
Bokang Mothoana 4 39 0.1 2005–2017
Lehlohonolo Fothoane 4 47 0.09 2017–present

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1962 Part of United Kingdom United Kingdom Part of United Kingdom United Kingdom
1966 and 1970 Did not enter Did not enter
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 1 6
Argentina 1978 Did not enter Did not enter
Spain 1982 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 2 4
Mexico 1986 Withdrew Withdrew
Italy 1990
1994 and 1998 Did not enter Did not enter
South Korea Japan 2002 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 0 3
Germany 2006 2 0 1 1 1 4
South Africa 2010 6 0 0 6 2 16
Brazil 2014 8 2 3 3 7 17
Russia 2018 2 0 2 0 1 1
Qatar 2022 2 0 2 0 1 1
Canada Mexico United States 2026 10 3 3 4 9 12
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/15 36 5 13 18 24 64

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D* L GF GA
Sudan 1957 Part of  United Kingdom Part of  United Kingdom
United Arab Republic 1959
Ethiopia 1962
Ghana 1963
Tunisia 1965 Did not enter Did not enter
Ethiopia 1968
Sudan 1970
Cameroon 1972
Egypt 1974 Did not qualify 201115
Ethiopia 1976 Withdrew Withdrew
Ghana 1978 Did not enter Did not enter
Nigeria 1980Did not qualify 210122
Libya 1982 210137
Ivory Coast 1984 Withdrew Withdrew
Egypt 1986 Did not enter Did not enter
Morocco 1988 Withdrew Withdrew
Algeria 1990Did not enter Did not enter
Senegal 1992
Tunisia 1994 Did not qualify 8143817
South Africa 1996 Withdrew during qualifying 6105316
Burkina Faso 1998 Banned Banned for withdrawing in 1996
Ghana Nigeria 2000 Did not qualify 201124
Mali 2002 7 2 3 3 8 10
Tunisia 2004 4 1 0 3 1 10
Egypt 2006 2 0 1 1 1 4
Ghana 2008 6 1 1 4 3 9
Angola 2010 6 0 0 6 2 16
Equatorial Guinea Gabon 2012 Did not enter Did not enter
South Africa 2013 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 0 1
Equatorial Guinea 2015 10 2 3 5 6 13
Gabon 2017 6 1 0 5 5 16
Egypt 2019 6 1 3 2 3 7
Cameroon 2021 6 0 3 3 3 9
Ivory Coast 2023 8 1 2 5 4 10
Morocco 2025 6 1 1 4 2 13
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027 To be determined To be determined
2029
Total 0/35 91 14 24 53 57 169

COSAFA Cup

Year COSAFA Cup record
RoundResultPldWDLGFGA
1997Preliminary round7th100102
199810th100102
1999Quarter-finals8th210111
2000Runners-up2nd511339
2001Quarter-finals7th100112
2002First round12th100102
20039th101000
20049th101000
20058th100112
20067th201113
200711th200225
South Africa 2008Preliminary round12th311122
Zimbabwe 2009Group stage10th211032
Zambia 2013Fourth place4th61321010
South Africa 2015Group stage11th310224
Namibia 2016Quarter-finals7th531194
South Africa 2017Fourth place4th302134
South Africa 2018Third place3rd321020
South Africa 2019Fourth place4th302134
South Africa 2021Group stage8th4103312
South Africa 2022Group stage10th320144
South Africa 2023Runners-up2nd521266
Total Runners-up 22/22 581616265680

Head-to-head record

As of 31 March 2026 after match against Seychelles[6]

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

Opponent
 Pld
 W
 D
 L
 GF
 GA
 GD
 Algeria200219−8
 Angola11119727−20
 Benin201104–4
 Botswana31511152339−16
 Burkina Faso200203−3
 Burundi211032+1
 Cameroon210134−1
 Cape Verde2020110
 Central African Republic210123–1
 Comoros722336–3
 DR Congo7043417−13
 Ethiopia92431011–1
 Gabon6024312−9
 Gambia210116−5
 Ghana7016723−16
 Guinea201124−2
 Ivory Coast201101–1
 Kenya8143610−4
 Laos110031+2
 Liberia210121+1
 Libya200205−5
 Madagascar310234−1
 Malawi2556141747−30
 Malaysia100105−5
 Mauritius168352723+4
 Morocco200208−8
 Mozambique2447131033−23
 Myanmar100101−1
 Namibia154561418–4
 Niger2101330
 Nigeria6015413−9
 Rwanda201112−1
 São Tomé and Príncipe201101−1
 Senegal200204−4
 Seychelles8431107+3
 Sierra Leone2020110
 South Africa1725101031−21
 Sudan211031+2
 Eswatini431214174251−9
 Tanzania522145−1
 Togo100102−2
 Uganda502308−8
 Zambia1816111043−33
 Zimbabwe2647152654−28
Total33966101172266554−288

Honours

Regional

Kit suppliers

Notes

References

External links

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