kids encyclopedia robot

Lesotho national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Lesotho women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Lesotho
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 (92)
Top scorer Jane Thabantso (15)
Home stadium Setsoto Stadium
FIFA code LES
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 146 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 105 (August 2014)
Lowest 185 (August 2011)
Elo ranking
Current 136 Increase 5 (3 March 2019)
Highest 122 (June 1979)
Lowest 179 (June 2016)
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
Silver 2000 Southern Africa ?
Silver 2018 South Africa
Bronze 2023 South Africa

The Lesotho national football team, also known as LNFT, represents the country of Lesotho in men's international association football games. The team is managed by the Lesotho Football Association. They are nicknamed Likuena, which means "Crocodiles" in the Sesotho language.

History of Lesotho Football

After Lesotho became independent from the United Kingdom in 1966, the Lesotho Football Association was formed. The national football team played its first game on August 7, 1970. They won 2-1 against Malawi.

Lesotho first tried to qualify for the 1974 World Cup. They drew 0–0 at home against Zambia. However, they lost the second game 1–6 and were out of the competition.

The team also tried to qualify for the 1974 AFCON. They lost 1–5 to Mauritius after a 0–0 draw in their first match. Lesotho faced Mauritius again when trying to qualify for the 1980 AFCON. They lost because of the away goals rule.

In the qualifiers for the 1982 tournament, Lesotho lost 3–7 overall to Mozambique. They then played Guinea in the 1982 World Cup qualifiers. They lost that series 4–2.

Lesotho won their first ever qualification round for the 1994 AFCON. They beat Botswana 4–0. All four goals were scored in the second game in Botswana. This win allowed them to reach the group stage of qualifying.

In the group stage, they drew against Kenya (2–2), Zaire (1–1), and Mozambique (1–1) at home. However, they lost all three away games. This meant they finished last in their group.

Lesotho pulled out of the 1996 AFCON qualifiers. Because of this, they were banned from the next tournament. They returned for the 2000 AFCON qualifiers. They lost in the first round to Mauritius.

Lesotho qualified for the 1999 COSAFA Cup by beating Namibia 1–0. But they lost 0–1 to Angola in the quarter-finals. Angola went on to win the tournament.

The next year, Lesotho had their best finish ever at the 2000 COSAFA Cup. They only qualified for the tournament because of a disciplinary record. They beat Zambia 3–1 in a penalty shootout. Then, they scored two late goals against Angola in the semi-finals to win 2–1. In the final, they lost 3–0 twice to Zimbabwe. This made them the runners-up.

Recent Games

Here are some of the games Lesotho has played recently.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

Games in 2024

21 March Friendly Ethiopia  1–2  Lesotho Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Yohannes Goal 48'
  • Motebang Goal 34'
  • Moerane Goal 43'
 Stadium: Addis Ababa Stadium
24 March Friendly Ethiopia  2–1  Lesotho Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Stadium: Addis Ababa Stadium
1 June Friendly Lesotho  1–1  Namibia
7 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Zimbabwe  0–2  Lesotho Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
  • Rasethuntša Goal 21'
  • Thabantso Goal 31'
 Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Thulani Sibandze (Eswatini)
11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Lesotho  0–1  Rwanda Durban, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
  • Kwizera Goal 67'
 Stadium: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Attendance: 2,000
Referee: Aklesso Gnama (Togo)
28 June 2024 COSAFA Cup Lesotho  1–1  Seychelles Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00
  • Thabantso Goal 19'
  • Hoareau Goal 69'
 Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
1 July 2024 COSAFA Cup Namibia  2–1  Lesotho Gqeberha, South Africa
18:00
  • Kamberipa Goal 38'
  • Muzeu Goal 69'
  • Mokhachane Goal 54'
 Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
3 July 2024 COSAFA Cup Lesotho  1–3  Angola Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00
  • Fothoane Goal 26'
  • Depú Goal 42' (pen.)
  • Vidinho Goal 63'
  • Miro Goal 90+5' (pen.)
 Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
5 September 2025 AFCON qualification Central African Republic  3–1  Lesotho El Jadida, Morocco
16:00 UTC+1
  • Mafouta Goal 1', 24'
  • Koyalipou Goal 62'
  • Sera Goal 56'
 Stadium: Ben M'Hamed El Abdi Stadium
Referee: Youcef Gamouh (Algeria)
9 September 2025 AFCON qualification Lesotho  0–1  Morocco Agadir, Morocco
19:00 UTC+1
  • Brahim Goal 90+3'
 Stadium: Adrar Stadium
Referee: Clement Franklin Kpan (Ivory Coast)
26 October 2024 African Nations Championship qualification Lesotho  1–0  Namibia Bloemfontein (South Africa)
  • Kalake Goal 22'
 Stadium: Free State Stadium
3 November 2024 African Nations Championship qualification Namibia  1–0
(3–4 p)		  Lesotho Bloemfontein, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Doeseb Goal 61' Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Thulani Sibandze (Eswatini)
Penalties
  • Stephanus Scored
  • Katua Scored
  • Eiseb Missed
  • Amutenya Scored
  • Hambira Missed
  • Scored Matšoele
  • Scored Kalake
  • Scored Kamela
  • Scored Toloane
  • Missed Fothoane

Games in 2025

21 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification South Africa  2–0  Lesotho Polokwane, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
  • Mofokeng Goal 60'
  • Adams Goal 64'
 Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium
25 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Rwanda  1–1  Lesotho Kigali, Rwanda
18:00 UTC+2 Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
5 June 2025 COSAFA Cup Malawi  0–1  Lesotho Bloemfontein, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Ntaitsane Goal 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
  • Vidinho Goal 42'
  • Depú Goal 44', 52', 90+4'
 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
  • Haraseb Goal 7'
  • Muzeu Goal 74'
  • Kamatuka Goal 82' (pen.)
 Stadium: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium
Referee: Thabang Ketshabile (Botswana)
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Lesotho  v  South Africa
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Benin  v  Lesotho
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Lesotho  v  Nigeria
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Lesotho  v  Zimbabwe

Team Managers

Pak Coaching Staff
Zaviša Milosavljević, who was a manager for Lesotho in 2007.

Here is a list of the people who have managed the Lesotho national football team.

Caretaker managers are shown in italics.
  • South Africa April Phumo (1979–1995)
  • Lesotho Lefa Ramakau (2000–??)
  • Lesotho Monaheng Monyane (2003–2004)
  • Germany Antoine Hey (2004–2006)
  • Lesotho Motheo Mohapi (2006–2007)
  • Serbia Zaviša Milosavljević (2007–2009)
  • Lesotho Leslie Notši (2009)
  • Lesotho Leslie Notši (2011–2013)
  • Lesotho Adam Siddorn (2013)
  • Lesotho Seephephe Matete (2014–2015)
  • South Africa Moses Maliehe (2015–2019)
  • Lesotho Mpitsa Marai (2019)
  • South Africa Thabo Senong (2019–2021)
  • Lesotho Leslie Notši (2021–2022)
  • Serbia Veselin Jelušić (2022–2023)
  • Lesotho Leslie Notši (2023–present)

Team Players

Current Squad

These players were chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group C games. These matches were against South Africa and Rwanda in March 2025.

The numbers for games played (caps) and goals scored are correct as of March 25, 2025, after the game against Rwanda.

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

Recent Call-ups

These players were also called to the Lesotho squad in the last year.


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 26) 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 33) 50 1 Lesotho Lioli v.  Namibia; 1 June 2024
DF Bokang Sello (1994-08-08) 8 August 1994 (age 30) 32 0 Botswana Police v.  South Africa; 11 January 2024
DF Rethabile Senkoto (1998-01-16) 16 January 1998 (age 27) 12 0 Lesotho Lifofane v.  South Africa; 11 January 2024
MF Tumelo Khutlang (1995-10-23) 23 October 1995 (age 29) 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 31) 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 Unknown 1 0 South Africa Kaizer Chiefs v.  South Africa; 11 January 2024
FW Jane Thabantso (1996-01-22) 22 January 1996 (age 29) 92 15 Lesotho Matlama v.  Gabon; 15 October 2024
FW Thabiso Brown (1995-10-03) 3 October 1995 (age 29) 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

These tables show the players with the most games and most goals for Lesotho.

Players in bold are still playing for Lesotho.

Most Games Played

Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Jane Thabantso 92 15 2014–present
2 Sera Motebang 71 12 2016–present
3 Basia Makepe 69 1 2012–present
4 Nkau Lerotholi 68 2 2008–2021
5 Hlompho Kalake 58 8 2015–present
6 Tšepo Toloane 55 0 2018–present
7 Tšoanelo Koetle 54 2 2011–2021
8 Bushi Moletsane 53 3 2004–2015
9 Lisema Lebokollane 51 0 2019–present
10 Kopano Tšeka 50 1 2016–present

Top Goal Scorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Jane Thabantso 15 92 0.16 2014–present
2 Sera Motebang 12 71 0.17 2016–present
3 Refiloe Potse 9 23 0.39 1998–2009
4 Tsepo Seturumane 8 38 0.21 2013–2020
Hlompho Kalake 8 58 0.14 2015–present
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
Neo Mokhachane 4 25 0.16 2021–present
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

Tournament Records

This section shows how Lesotho has performed in major football tournaments.

FIFA World Cup

Lesotho has tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup several times. They have not yet made it to the main tournament.

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 To be determined 6 1 3 2 4 5
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/15 32 3 13 16 19 57

Africa Cup of Nations

Lesotho has also tried to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, but has not yet reached the main tournament.

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 2 0 1 1 1 5
Ethiopia 1976 Withdrew Withdrew
Ghana 1978 Did not enter Did not enter
Nigeria 1980 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 2 2
Libya 1982 2 1 0 1 3 7
Ivory Coast 1984 Withdrew Withdrew
Egypt 1986 Did not enter Did not enter
Morocco 1988 Withdrew Withdrew
Algeria 1990 Did not enter Did not enter
Senegal 1992
Tunisia 1994 Did not qualify 8 1 4 3 8 17
South Africa 1996 Withdrew during qualifying 6 1 0 5 3 16
Burkina Faso 1998 Banned Banned for withdrawing in 1996
Ghana Nigeria 2000 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 2 4
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

The COSAFA Cup is a football tournament for teams in Southern Africa. Lesotho has done well in this competition, reaching the final twice.

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
South Africa 2008 Preliminary round 12th 3 1 1 1 2 2
Zimbabwe 2009 Group stage 10th 2 1 1 0 3 2
Zambia 2013 Fourth place 4th 6 1 3 2 10 10
South Africa 2015 Group stage 11th 3 1 0 2 2 4
Namibia 2016 Quarter-finals 7th 5 3 1 1 9 4
South Africa 2017 Fourth place 4th 3 0 2 1 3 4
South Africa 2018 Third place 3rd 3 2 1 0 2 0
South Africa 2019 Fourth place 4th 3 0 2 1 3 4
South Africa 2021 Group stage 8th 4 1 0 3 3 12
South Africa 2022 Group stage 10th 3 2 0 1 4 4
South Africa 2023 Runners-up 2nd 5 2 1 2 6 6
Total Runners-up 22/22 58 16 16 26 56 80

Kit Suppliers

The Lesotho national football team has had different companies make their uniforms over the years.

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

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Lesoto para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Lesotho national football team Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.