Lesotho national football team

Lesotho
Nickname(s)	Likuena (Crocodiles)
Association	Lesotho Football Association (LeFA)
Confederation	CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation	COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach	Leslie Notsi (caretaker)
Captain	Basia Makepe
Most caps	Jane Thabantso (77)
Top scorer	Jane Thabantso (12)
Home stadium	Setsoto Stadium
FIFA code	LES
FIFA ranking
Current	152 1 (21 September 2023)[1]
Highest	105 (August 2014)
Lowest	185 (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
Appearances	19 (first in 1997))
Best result	Runners-up (2000)
Medal record
COSAFA Cup

The Lesotho national football team represents Lesotho in men's international football and is governed by the Lesotho Football Association. The team's nickname is "Likuena" (Crocodiles). The team has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals and the Africa Cup of Nations finals in history. The team is a member of both FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF).

History

The team played their first international match in 1970, a 2–1 victory against Malawi. They have not qualified for a FIFA World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations yet.

Their highest position in the FIFA World Ranking was 105th in August 2014.

Their biggest ever win was 5–0 against Swaziland in April 2006.

From 2004 to 2006, the German Antoine Hey coached the national side. The ambitious goal was the qualification for the 2010 World Cup in neighbouring South Africa. However, after one and a half years, Hey was dismissed for failing. The successor was the Serb Zavisa Milosavljevic, who was also dismissed in September 2009 and was replaced by Lesotho native Leslie Notši, who was previously the assistant coach of the national team. In 2014 Seephephe "Mochini" Matete trained the team, a former international. Moses Maliehe became the coach in 2016.

The biggest success of the national team was reaching the final of the 2000 COSAFA Cup. In 2005 the under-20 national team qualified for the 2005 African Youth Championship. They finished third place of Group B, with a win and two losses.

The nickname of the national team is Likuena (Sesotho for "the crocodiles").

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

2023

25 February Friendly	Malawi	1–1	Lesotho	Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00 UTC+2	Mhone 20' Chaziya 63'	Report	Thabantso 74'	Stadium: Bingu National Stadium Referee: Newtone Nyirenda (Malawi)

23 March 2023 AFCON qualification	Zambia	3–1	Lesotho	Ndola, Zambia
17:00 UTC+2	F. Sakala 37' L. Banda 53', 57'	Report	Bereng 33'	Stadium: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Referee: Messie Nkounkou (Congo)

26 March 2023 AFCON qualification	Lesotho	0–2	Zambia	Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2		Report	P. Daka 14', 69'	Stadium: Dobsonville Stadium Referee: Chelanget Sabila (Uganda)

14 June Friendly	Togo	2–0	Lesotho	Johannesburg, South Africa
16:00 UTC+2	Agbagno 4' Denkey	Report		Stadium: Bidvest Stadium

17 June 2023 AFCON qualification	Lesotho	0–1	Comoros	Johannesburg, South Africa
--:-- UTC+2		Report	M'Changama 90'	Stadium: Orlando Stadium Referee: Celso Armindo Alvação (Mozambique)

7 July 2023 COSAFA Cup	Mauritius	0–2	Lesotho	Durban
15:00		Report	Mokhachane 15' Sera 90+2'	Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium

10 July 2023 COSAFA Cup	Mozambique	0–1	Lesotho	KwaMashu
18:00		Report	Mokhachane 34'	Stadium: Princess Magogo Stadium

12 July 2023 COSAFA Cup	Angola	4–2	Lesotho	Durban
15:00	Cangue 20' Amor 29' Goncalves 50' Moseka 88'	Report	Makha 3' Mokokoane 44'	Stadium: Chatsworth Stadium

14 July 2023 COSAFA Cup SF	Malawi	1–1 (a.e.t.) (0–3 p)	Lesotho	KwaMashu
	Kaonga 26' (pen.)	Report	Thaba-Ntso 18'	Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium

16 July 2023 COSAFA Cup F	Lesotho	0–1	Zambia	Durban
18:00		Report	Libamba 78'	Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium

9 September 2023 AFCON qualification	Ivory Coast	1–0	Lesotho	San-Pédro, Ivory Coast
16:00 UTC±0	I. Sangaré 16'	Report		Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium Referee: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)

November 2026 World Cup qualification

Nigeria

v

Lesotho

November 2026 World Cup qualification

Lesotho

v

Benin

Managers

Caretaker manager are listed in italics.

April Phumo (1979–1995)
Lefa Ramakau (2000–??)
Monaheng Monyane (2003–2004)
Antoine Hey (2004–2006)
Motheo Mohapi (2006–2007)
Zaviša Milosavljević (2007–2009)
Leslie Notši (2009)
Leslie Notši (2011–2013)
Adam Siddorn (2013)
Seephephe Matete (2014–2015)
Moses Maliehe (2015–2019)
Mpitsa Marai (2019)
Thabo Senong (2019–2021)
Leslie Notši (2021–2022)
Veselin Jelusic (2022–2023)
Leslie Notsi (2023-present)

Players

Current squad

The following players were selected for the 2023 COSAFA Cup.[2]

Caps and goals correct as of 16 July 2023, after the match against Zambia.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1GK	Sekhoane Moerane	(1997-09-18) 18 September 1997	29	0	Lesotho Mounted Police Service
1GK	Seahlolo Mosoeu	(2003-05-03) 3 May 2003	2	0	Lesotho Correctional Services
1GK	Teboho Ratibisi	(1998-11-28) 28 November 1998	0	0	Lesotho Defence Force

2DF	Basia Makepe	(1991-03-04) 4 March 1991	68	1	Lioli
2DF	Kopano Tšeka	(1991-11-08) 8 November 1991	48	1	Lioli
2DF	Thabang Malane	(1997-06-10) 10 June 1997	28	0	African All Stars
2DF	Rethabile Rasethuntsa	(1994-11-22) 22 November 1994	26	0	Linare
2DF	Rethabile Mokokoane	(1996-04-06) 6 April 1996	12	1	Matlama
2DF	Rethabile Senkoto	(1998-01-16) 16 January 1998	10	0	Lifofane
2DF	Mohlomi Makhetha	(2000-09-21) 21 September 2000	4	0	Lesotho Correctional Services

3MF	Tsepo Toloane	(1997-07-15) 15 July 1997	42	0	Lesotho Defence Force
3MF	Lisema Lebokollane	(1993-02-25) 25 February 1993	32	0	Matlama
3MF	Tshwarelo Bereng	(1990-10-30) 30 October 1990	29	2	Mbabane Highlanders
3MF	Lehlohonolo Fothoane	(1997-02-23) 23 February 1997	28	1	Bantu
3MF	Tumelo Makha	(1999-10-22) 22 October 1999	14	3	Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila
3MF	Neo Mokhachane	(1996-09-22) 22 September 1996	14	2	Bantu
3MF	Tsepang Sefali	(1996-07-07) 7 July 1996	10	0	Bantu
3MF	Thabo Lesaoana	(1993-11-07) 7 November 1993	9	0	Bantu
3MF	Koenehelo Mothala	(1993-07-15) 15 July 1993	2	0	Linare

4FW	Jane Thabantso	(1996-01-22) 22 January 1996	77	12	Matlama
4FW	Sera Motebang	(1995-05-01) 1 May 1995	56	11	Royal AM
4FW	Katleho Makateng	(1998-09-20) 20 September 1998	11	3	Richards Bay
4FW	Hlomelang Lebina	(2000-11-28) 28 November 2000	1	0	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	Tankiso Chaba	(1995-12-27) 27 December 1995	2	0	Liphakoe	v. Zambia; 26 March 2023

DF	Ngaka Lenka	(1992-06-17) 17 June 1992	1	0	Lesotho Correctional Services	v. Comoros; 17 June 2023
DF	Tsiame Ramabele	(1994-12-25) 25 December 1994	7	0	Lesotho Defence Force	v. Zambia; 26 March 2023

MF	Thabo Mafatle	(1996-09-18) 18 September 1996	12	0	Lioli	v. Comoros; 17 June 2023
MF	Lehlohonolo Lenka	(1992-06-17) 17 June 1992	5	0	Lesotho Correctional Services	v. Comoros; 17 June 2023

FW	Retselisitsoe Mopeli	(1998-11-04) 4 November 1998	10	1	Lijabatho	v. Comoros; 17 June 2023
FW	Lemohang Lintsa	(1992-04-03) 3 April 1992	4	0	Limkokwing University	v. Zambia; 26 March 2023
^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 9 September 2023[3]

Players in bold are still active with Lesotho.

Most appearances

Rank	Player	Caps	Goals	Career
1	Jane Thabantso	77	12	2015–present
2	Basia Makepe	68	1	2012–present
3	Nkau Lerotholi	66	2	2008–present
4	Sera Motebang	56	11	2016–present
5	Hlompho Kalake	55	7	2015–present
6	Tšoanelo Koetle	54	2	2011–present
7	Bushi Moletsane	53	3	2004–2015
8	Thapelo Mokhele	49	2	2006–2018
9	Kopano Tšeka	48	1	2016–present
10	Mabuti Potloane	46	2	2012–2018

Top goalscorers

Rank	Player	Goals	Caps	Ratio	Career
1	Jane Thabantso	12	77	0.16	2015–present
2	Sera Motebang	11	56	0.2	2016–present
3	Refiloe Potse	9	23	0.39	1998–2009
4	Tsepo Seturumane	8	38	0.21	2013–2020
5	Thapelo Tale	7	45	0.16	2008–2019
5	Hlompho Kalake	7	55	0.13	2015–present
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
	Lehlohonolo Seema	4	35	0.11	1998–2008
	Ralekoti Mokhahlane	4	38	0.11	2006–2018
	Bokang Mothoana	4	39	0.1	2005–2017

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 1970	Part of United Kingdom								Part of United Kingdom
1974	Did not qualify								2	0	1	1	1	6
1978	Did not enter								Did not enter
1982	Did not qualify								2	0	1	1	2	4
1986	Withdrew								Withdrew
1990	Withdrew								Withdrew
1994	Did not enter								Did not enter
1998	Did not enter								Did not enter
2002	Did not qualify								2	0	0	2	0	3
2006									2	0	1	1	1	4
2010									6	0	0	6	2	16
2014									8	2	3	3	7	17
2018									2	0	2	0	1	1
2022									2	0	2	0	1	1
2026	To be determined								To be determined
Total		0/22							26	2	10	14	15	55

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
1957	Part of United Kingdom								Part of United Kingdom
1959
1962
1963
1965	Did not enter								Did not enter
1968
1970
1972
1974	Did not qualify								2	0	1	1	1	5
1976	Withdrew								Withdrew
1978	Did not enter								Did not enter
1980	Did not qualify								2	1	0	1	2	2
1982	Did not qualify								2	1	0	1	3	7
1984	Withdrew								Withdrew
1986	Did not enter								Did not enter
1988	Withdrew								Withdrew
1990	Did not enter								Did not enter
1992	Did not enter								Did not enter
1994	Did not qualify								8	1	4	3	8	17
1996	Withdrew during qualifying								6	1	0	5	3	16
1998	Banned								Banned for withdrawing in 1996
2000	Did not qualify								2	0	1	1	2	4
2002									7	2	3	3	8	10
2004									4	1	0	3	1	10
2006									2	0	1	1	1	4
2008									6	1	1	4	3	9
2010									6	0	0	6	2	16
2012	Did not enter								Did not enter
2013	Did not qualify								2	0	1	1	0	1
2015									10	2	3	5	6	13
2017									6	1	0	5	5	16
2019									6	1	3	2	3	7
2021									6	0	3	3	3	9
2023									In progress
2025	To be determined								To be determined
Total		0/34							77	12	21	44	51	146

COSAFA Cup

Year	COSAFA Cup
Year	Round	Result	M	W	D	L	GF	GA
1997	Preliminary round	7th	1	0	0	1	0	2
1998	Preliminary round	10th	1	0	0	1	0	2
1999	Quarter-finals	8th	2	1	0	1	1	1
2000	Runners-up	2nd	5	1	1	3	3	9
2001	Quarter-finals	7th	1	0	0	1	1	2
2002	First round	12th	1	0	0	1	0	2
2003		9th	1	0	1	0	0	0
2004		9th	1	0	1	0	0	0
2005		8th	1	0	0	1	1	2
2006		7th	2	0	1	1	1	3
2007		11th	2	0	0	2	2	5
2008	Preliminary round	12th	3	1	1	1	2	2
2009	Group stage	10th	2	1	1	0	3	2
2013	Fourth place	4th	6	1	3	2	10	10
2015	Group stage	11th	3	1	0	2	2	4
2016	Quarter-finals	7th	5	3	1	1	9	4
2017	Fourth place	4th	3	0	2	1	3	4
2018	Third place	3rd	3	2	1	0	2	0
2019	Fourth place	4th	3	0	2	1	3	4
2021	Group stage	8th	4	1	0	3	3	12
2022	Group stage	10th	3	2	0	1	4	4
2023	In progress
Total	Runners-up	22/22	53	14	15	24	50	74

Head-to-head record

As of 26 May 2022 after match against Namibia[4]

Positive Record Neutral Record Negative Record

Opponent	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Algeria	2	0	0	2	1	9	−8
Angola	8	1	1	6	4	16	−12
Botswana	31	5	11	15	23	39	−16
Burkina Faso	2	0	0	2	0	3	−3
Burundi	2	1	1	0	3	2	+1
Cameroon	2	1	0	1	3	4	−1
Cape Verde	2	0	2	0	1	1	0
Comoros	5	2	2	1	3	3	0
DR Congo	7	0	4	3	4	17	−13
Ethiopia	4	0	2	2	3	5	−2
Gabon	4	0	1	3	3	10	−7
Gambia	2	1	0	1	1	6	−5
Ghana	7	0	1	6	7	23	−16
Guinea	2	0	1	1	2	4	−2
Kenya	8	1	4	3	6	10	−4
Laos	1	1	0	0	3	1	+2
Liberia	2	1	0	1	2	1	+1
Libya	2	0	0	2	0	5	−5
Madagascar	3	1	0	2	3	4	−1
Malawi	20	3	4	13	12	43	−31
Malaysia	1	0	0	1	0	5	−5
Mauritius	14	6	3	5	23	22	+1
Mozambique	22	3	7	12	9	31	−22
Myanmar	1	0	0	1	0	1	−1
Namibia	12	4	4	4	14	13	+1
Niger	2	1	0	1	3	3	0
Nigeria	4	0	0	4	2	10	−8
São Tomé and Príncipe	2	0	1	1	0	1	−1
Senegal	2	0	0	2	0	4	−4
Seychelles	4	2	1	1	5	4	+1
Sierra Leone	2	0	2	0	1	1	0
South Africa	14	2	4	8	10	26	−16
Sudan	2	1	1	0	3	1	+2
Eswatini	41	12	13	16	42	49	−7
Tanzania	5	2	2	1	4	5	−1
Uganda	5	0	2	3	0	8	−8
Zambia	15	1	6	8	9	37	−28
Zimbabwe	24	2	7	15	23	54	−31
Total	288	54	87	147	232	481	−249

Kit suppliers

Uhlsport (2000)
Umbro (2002, 2006)
Uhlsport (2007)
Adidas (2008–2011)
Basutoland Ink (2012–2019)
Umbro (2019–)

Honours

COSAFA Cup
- Runners-up (1): 2000

References

"The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
"Notsi goes for youth and experience in final squad for COSAFA". LEFA. Lesotho Football Association. Archived from the original on 2023-07-07. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
"Lesotho". National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 2023-07-24. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
"World Football Elo Ratings: Lesotho". Elo Ratings. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2017.

External links

Lesotho at CAF
Lesotho at FIFA

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.

[FIFA_World_Rankings-1] "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.

[2] "Notsi goes for youth and experience in final squad for COSAFA". LEFA. Lesotho Football Association. Archived from the original on 2023-07-07. Retrieved 2023-07-07.

[3] "Lesotho". National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 2023-07-24. Retrieved 2022-07-06.

[4] "World Football Elo Ratings: Lesotho". Elo Ratings. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2017.

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