Lesotho national football team

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Lesotho women's national football team.

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.

Lesollo

Nickname(s)	Likuena (Crocodiles)
Association	Lesotho Football Association (LeFA)
Confederation	CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation	COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach	Leslie Notši
Captain	Sekhoane Moerane
Most caps	Jane Thabantso (88)
Top scorer	Jane Thabantso (15)
Home stadium	Setsoto Stadium
FIFA code	LES
First colours Second colours Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current	149 (18 July 2024)
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	22 (first in 1997)
Best result	Runners-up (2000, 2023)
Medal record COSAFA Cup 2000 Southern Africa ? 2018 South Africa 2023 South Africa

History

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

2023

Mauritius v Lesotho

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

Mozambique v Lesotho

Angola v Lesotho

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

Malawi v Lesotho

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

Lesotho v Zambia

Ivory Coast v Lesotho

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)

Nigeria v Lesotho

16 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Nigeria	1–1	Lesotho	Uyo, Nigeria
17:00 UTC+1	Ajayi 67'	Report	Mkwanazi 56'	Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Referee: Mehrez Malki (Tunisia)

Lesotho v Benin

21 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Lesotho	0–0	Benin	Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2		Report		Stadium: Orlando Stadium Attendance: 1,000 Referee: Tsegay Mogos Teklu (Eritrea)

2024

Mozambique v Lesotho

6 January Friendly	Mozambique	2–0	Lesotho	Johannesburg, South Africa
16:00 UTC+2	Mandava 27' Lau King 81' (pen.)	Report		Stadium: FNB Stadium

South Africa v Lesotho

Ethiopia v Lesotho

21 March Friendly	Ethiopia	1–2	Lesotho	Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
	Yohannes 48'		Motebang 34' Moerane 43'	Stadium: Addis Ababa Stadium

Ethiopia v Lesotho

24 March Friendly	Ethiopia	2–1	Lesotho	Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
				Stadium: Addis Ababa Stadium

Lesotho v Namibia

1 June Friendly

Lesotho

1–1

Namibia

Zimbabwe v Lesotho

7 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Zimbabwe	0–2	Lesotho	Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2		Report	Rasethuntša 21' Thabantso 31'	Stadium: Orlando Stadium Referee: Thulani Sibandze (Eswatini)

Lesotho v Rwanda

11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Lesotho	0–1	Rwanda	Durban, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2		Report	Kwizera 67'	Stadium: Moses Mabhida Stadium Attendance: 2,000 Referee: Aklesso Gnama (Togo)

Lesotho v Seychelles

Namibia v Lesotho

Lesotho v Angola

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 Jelušić (2022–2023)
• Leslie Notši (2023)
• Veselin Jelušić (2024)
• Leslie Notsi (2024-present)

Players

Current squad

The following players were selected for the 2024 COSAFA Cup.

Caps and goals correct as of 28 June 2024, after the match against Seychelles.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
	1GK	Sekhoane Moerane	(1997-09-18) 18 September 1997	39	1	Lesotho Mounted Police Service
	1GK	Tankiso Chaba	(1995-12-27) 27 December 1995	2	0	Lesotho Correctional Services
	1GK	Ntsane Molise	(1994-07-30) 30 July 1994	0	0	Linare
	2DF	Motlomelo Mkhwanazi	(1994-11-05) 5 November 1994	38	1	Bantu
	2DF	Rethabile Rasethuntsa	(1994-11-22) 22 November 1994	36	1	Linare
	2DF	Thabang Malane	(1997-06-10) 10 June 1997	31	0	African All Stars
	2DF	Rethabile Mokokoane	(1996-04-06) 6 April 1996	15	1	Matlama
	2DF	Thabo Matšoele	(1993-05-23) 23 May 1993	11	0	Matlama
	2DF	Thabo Makhele	(1994-12-17) 17 December 1994	4	0	Chippa United
	2DF	Thato Sefoli	(1995-05-22) 22 May 1995	3	0	Upington City
	2DF	Fusi Matlabe	(2000-05-23) 23 May 2000	0	0	Mpheni Home Defenders
	3MF	Tsepo Toloane	(1997-07-15) 15 July 1997	48	0	Lesotho Defence Force
	3MF	Tumelo Khutlang	(1995-10-23) 23 October 1995	45	3	Lioli
	3MF	Lisema Lebokollane	(1993-02-25) 25 February 1993	41	0	Matlama
	3MF	Tshwarelo Bereng	(1990-10-30) 30 October 1990	38	2	Mbabane Highlanders
	3MF	Lehlohonolo Fothoane	(1997-02-23) 23 February 1997	36	2	Bantu
	3MF	Neo Mokhachane	(1996-09-22) 22 September 1996	18	2	Bantu
	3MF	Lehlohonolo Matsau	(1997-03-06) 6 March 1997	4	0	Lesotho Defence Force
	3MF	Tlotliso Phatsisi	(1999-05-26) 26 May 1999	4	0	Black Leopards
	3MF	Paseka Maile		1	0	Kick4Life
	4FW	Jane Thabantso	(1996-01-22) 22 January 1996	87	15	Matlama
	4FW	Sera Motebang	(1995-05-01) 1 May 1995	64	11	Royal AM
	4FW	Katleho Makateng	(1998-09-20) 20 September 1998	17	3	Richards Bay

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	2	0	Lesotho Correctional Services	v. Ethiopia; 24 March 2024
GK	Monaheng Ramalefane	(1998-12-22) 22 December 1998	4	0	Matlama	v. South Africa; 11 January 2024
GK	Teboho Ratibisi	(1998-11-28) 28 November 1998	0	0	Lesotho Defence Force	v. Benin; 21 November 2023
DF	Motete John Mohai	(1998-05-01) 1 May 1998	6	0	Matlama	v. Rwanda; 11 June 2024
DF	Kopano Tšeka	(1991-11-08) 8 November 1991	48	1	Lioli	v. Namibia; 1 June 2024
DF	Bokang Sello	(1994-08-08) 8 August 1994	32	0	Police	v. South Africa; 11 January 2024
DF	Rethabile Senkoto	(1998-01-16) 16 January 1998	12	0	Lifofane	v. South Africa; 11 January 2024
DF	Mohlomi Makhetha	(2000-09-21) 21 September 2000	4	0	Lesotho Correctional Services	v. South Africa; 11 January 2024
MF	Tsepang Sefali	(1996-07-07) 7 July 1996	19	0	Bantu	2024 COSAFA CupINJ
MF	Teboho Letsema	(2002-09-09) 9 September 2002	5	0	Linare	2024 COSAFA CupWD
MF	Thabo Lesaoana	(1993-11-07) 7 November 1993	18	0	Bantu	v. Rwanda; 11 June 2024
MF	Alfred Mosoeu	(1997-05-21) 21 May 1997	1	0	Mangaung Unite	v. South Africa; 11 January 2024
MF	Tumelo Shai		1	0	Kaizer Chiefs	v. South Africa; 11 January 2024
FW	Lemohang Lintša	(1992-04-03) 3 April 1992	4	0	Limkokwing University	2024 COSAFA CupWD
FW	Thabiso Brown	(1995-10-03) 3 October 1995	15	1	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 28 June 2024

Players in bold are still active with Lesotho.

Most appearances

Rank	Player	Caps	Goals	Career
1	Jane Thabantso	87	15	2015–present
2	Basia Makepe	69	1	2012–present
3	Nkau Lerotholi	66	2	2008–2021
4	Sera Motebang	64	11	2016–present
5	Hlompho Kalake	55	7	2015–2021
6	Tšoanelo Koetle	54	2	2011–2021
7	Bushi Moletsane	53	3	2004–2015
8	Thapelo Mokhele	49	2	2006–2018
9	Tšepo Toloane	48	0	2018–present
	Kopano Tšeka	48	1	2016–present

Top goalscorers

Rank	Player	Goals	Caps	Ratio	Career
1	Jane Thabantso	15	87	0.17	2015–present
2	Sera Motebang	11	64	0.17	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
	Hlompho Kalake	7	55	0.13	2015–2021
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 1962	Part of United Kingdom									Part of United Kingdom
1966 and 1970	Did not enter									Did not enter
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
1994 and 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									4	1	2	1	3	2
2030										To be derermined
2034
Total		0/15								30	3	12	15	18	57

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										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
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										8	1	2	5	4	10
2025	To be determined									To be determined
2027
Total		0/34								85	13	23	49	55	156

COSAFA Cup

Year	COSAFA Cup record
	Round	Result	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1997	Preliminary round	7th	1	0	0	1	0	2
1998		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	Runners-up	2nd	5	2	1	2	6	6
Total	Runners-up	22/22	58	16	16	26	56	80

Head-to-head record

As of 3 July 2024 after match against Angola

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

Opponent	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Algeria	2	0	0	2	1	9	−8
Angola	10	1	1	8	7	23	−16
Benin	1	0	1	0	0	0	0
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	7	2	2	3	3	6	–3
DR Congo	7	0	4	3	4	17	−13
Ethiopia	9	2	4	3	10	11	–1
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
Ivory Coast	2	0	1	1	0	1	–1
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	23	4	6	13	16	46	−30
Malaysia	1	0	0	1	0	5	−5
Mauritius	16	8	3	5	27	23	+4
Mozambique	24	4	7	13	10	33	−23
Myanmar	1	0	0	1	0	1	−1
Namibia	14	4	5	5	14	15	–1
Niger	2	1	0	1	3	3	0
Nigeria	5	0	1	4	3	11	−8
Rwanda	1	0	0	1	0	1	−1
São Tomé and Príncipe	2	0	1	1	0	1	−1
Senegal	2	0	0	2	0	4	−4
Seychelles	5	2	2	1	6	5	+1
Sierra Leone	2	0	2	0	1	1	0
South Africa	15	2	5	8	10	26	−16
Sudan	2	1	1	0	3	1	+2
Eswatini	42	12	13	17	42	51	−9
Tanzania	5	2	2	1	4	5	−1
Togo	1	0	0	1	0	2	−2
Uganda	5	0	2	3	0	8	−8
Zambia	18	1	6	11	10	43	−33
Zimbabwe	25	3	7	15	25	54	−29
Total	319	61	97	161	256	519	−263

Kit suppliers

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

External links

• Lesotho at CAF
• Lesotho at FIFA