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 |
Veselin Jelušić |
Captain |
Basia Makepe |
Most caps |
Jane Thabantso (82) |
Top scorer |
Jane Thabantso
Sera Motebang (12) |
Home stadium |
Setsoto Stadium |
FIFA code |
LES |
|
|
|
FIFA ranking |
Current |
146 (7 February 2019) |
Highest |
105 (August 2014) |
Lowest |
185 (August 2011) |
Elo ranking |
Current |
136 5 (3 March 2019) |
Highest |
122 (June 1979) |
Lowest |
179 (June 2016) |
First international |
Lesotho 2–1 Malawi ![](/images/thumb/d/d1/Flag_of_Malawi.svg/23px-Flag_of_Malawi.svg.png)
(Malawi; 8 August 1970) |
Biggest win |
Lesotho 5–0 Swaziland ![](/images/thumb/f/fb/Flag_of_Eswatini.svg/23px-Flag_of_Eswatini.svg.png)
(Maseru, Lesotho; 14 April 2006) |
Biggest defeat |
Zambia 9–0 Lesotho ![](/images/thumb/c/c0/Flag_of_Lesotho_%281987-2006%29.svg/23px-Flag_of_Lesotho_%281987-2006%29.svg.png)
(Botswana; 8 August 1988) |
COSAFA Cup |
Appearances |
19 (first in 1997)) |
Best result |
Runners-up (2000) |
|
COSAFA Cup |
Silver |
2000 Southern Africa |
? |
Silver |
2018 South Africa |
|
Bronze |
2023 South Africa |
|
|
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.
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
2023 AFCON qualification 26 March |
Lesotho ![](/images/thumb/4/4a/Flag_of_Lesotho.svg/23px-Flag_of_Lesotho.svg.png) |
0–2 |
Zambia |
Johannesburg, South Africa |
|
15:00 UTC+2 |
|
https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2022/09/27/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/lesotho/zambia/3783051/ |
- P. Daka
14', 69'
|
Stadium: Dobsonville Stadium
Referee: Chelanget Sabila (Uganda)
|
|
Friendly 14 June |
Togo ![](/images/thumb/6/68/Flag_of_Togo.svg/23px-Flag_of_Togo.svg.png) |
2–0 |
Lesotho |
Johannesburg, South Africa |
|
16:00 UTC+2 |
Agbagno 4'
Denkey |
https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2023/06/14/world/friendlies/togo/lesotho/4080455/ |
|
Stadium: Bidvest Stadium
|
|
2023 AFCON qualification 17 June |
Lesotho ![](/images/thumb/4/4a/Flag_of_Lesotho.svg/23px-Flag_of_Lesotho.svg.png) |
0–1 |
Comoros |
Johannesburg, South Africa |
|
--:-- UTC+2 |
|
https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2023/03/20/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/lesotho/comoros/3783053/ |
- M'Changama
90'
|
Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Celso Armindo Alvação (Mozambique)
|
|
2023 COSAFA Cup 7 July |
Mauritius ![](/images/thumb/7/77/Flag_of_Mauritius.svg/23px-Flag_of_Mauritius.svg.png) |
0–2 |
Lesotho |
Durban |
|
15:00 |
|
https://cosafa.com/lesotho-claim-win-angola-mozambique-draw-in-durban/ |
- Mokhachane
15'
- Sera
90+2'
|
Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium
|
|
2023 COSAFA Cup 10 July |
Mozambique ![](/images/thumb/d/d0/Flag_of_Mozambique.svg/23px-Flag_of_Mozambique.svg.png) |
0–1 |
Lesotho |
KwaMashu |
|
18:00 |
|
https://cosafa.com/lesotho-through-to-semifinals-at-2023-hollywoodbets-cosafa-cup/ |
- Mokhachane
34'
|
Stadium: Princess Magogo Stadium
|
|
2023 COSAFA Cup 12 July |
Angola ![](/images/thumb/9/9d/Flag_of_Angola.svg/23px-Flag_of_Angola.svg.png) |
4–2 |
Lesotho |
Durban |
|
15:00 |
- Cangue
20'
- Amor
29'
- Goncalves
50'
- Moseka
88'
|
https://cosafa.com/semifinal-line-up-complete-at-2023-hollywoodbets-cosafa-cup/ |
- Makha
3'
- Mokokoane
44'
|
Stadium: Chatsworth Stadium
|
|
2023 COSAFA Cup SF 14 July |
Malawi ![](/images/thumb/d/d1/Flag_of_Malawi.svg/23px-Flag_of_Malawi.svg.png) |
1–1
|
Lesotho |
KwaMashu |
|
|
|
https://cosafa.com/lesotho-zambia-to-contest-2023-hollywoodbets-cosafa-cup-final/ |
- Thaba-Ntso
18'
|
Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium
|
|
|
Penalties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 COSAFA Cup F 16 July |
Lesotho ![](/images/thumb/4/4a/Flag_of_Lesotho.svg/23px-Flag_of_Lesotho.svg.png) |
0–1 |
Zambia |
Durban |
|
18:00 |
|
https://cosafa.com/zambia-claim-record-seventh-hollywoodbets-cosafa-cup-title/ |
- Libamba
78'
|
Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium
|
|
2023 AFCON qualification 9 September |
Ivory Coast ![](/images/thumb/f/fe/Flag_of_C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire.svg/23px-Flag_of_C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire.svg.png) |
1–0 |
Lesotho |
San-Pédro, Ivory Coast |
|
16:00 UTC±0 |
- I. Sangaré
16'
|
https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2023/09/09/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/cote-divoire/lesotho/3783055/ |
|
Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium
Referee: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)
|
|
2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 16 November |
Nigeria ![](/images/thumb/7/79/Flag_of_Nigeria.svg/23px-Flag_of_Nigeria.svg.png) |
1–1 |
Lesotho |
Uyo, Nigeria |
|
17:00 UTC+1 |
- Ajayi
67'
|
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288282/288289/400017589 |
- Mkwanazi
56'
|
Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Referee: Mehrez Malki (Tunisia)
|
|
2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 21 November |
Lesotho ![](/images/thumb/4/4a/Flag_of_Lesotho.svg/23px-Flag_of_Lesotho.svg.png) |
0–0 |
Benin |
Johannesburg, South Africa |
|
15:00 UTC+2 |
|
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288282/288289/400017593 |
|
Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Attendance: 1,000
Referee: Tsegay Mogos Teklu (Eritrea)
|
|
2024
2026 FIFA World Cup qualification June |
Zimbabwe ![](/images/thumb/6/6a/Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg/23px-Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg.png) |
v |
Lesotho |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
2026 FIFA World Cup qualification June |
Lesotho ![](/images/thumb/4/4a/Flag_of_Lesotho.svg/23px-Flag_of_Lesotho.svg.png) |
v |
Rwanda |
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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–present)
Players
Current squad
The following players were selected for the friendly matches against Mozambique and South Africa on 6 and 10 January 2024.
Caps and goals correct as of 6 January 2023, after the match against Mozambique.
Recent call-ups
The following players have also been called up to the Lesotho squad within the last twelve months.
Player records
- Players in bold are still active with Lesotho.
Most appearances
Rank |
Player |
Caps |
Goals |
Career |
1 |
Jane Thabantso |
79 |
12 |
2015–present |
2 |
Basia Makepe |
68 |
1 |
2012–present |
3 |
Nkau Lerotholi |
66 |
2 |
2008–2021 |
4 |
Sera Motebang |
58 |
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 |
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 |
79 |
0.15 |
2015–present |
2 |
Sera Motebang |
11 |
58 |
0.19 |
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
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 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
4 |
10 |
2025 |
To be determined |
To be determined |
2027 |
Total |
|
0/34 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
77 |
12 |
21 |
44 |
51 |
146 |
COSAFA Cup
Year |
COSAFA Cup |
Round |
Result |
M |
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 |
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
Positive Record Neutral Record Negative Record
Kit suppliers
Uhlsport (2000)
Umbro (2002, 2006)
Uhlsport (2007)
Adidas (2008–2011)
Basutoland Ink (2012–2019)
Umbro (2019–)
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Lesoto para niños