Lesotho national football team

Lesotho
Nickname(s)	Likuena (Crocodiles)
Association	Lesotho Football Association
Confederation	CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation	COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach	Leslie Notši
Most caps	Nkau Lerotholi (66)
Top scorer	Sera Motebang (10)
Home stadium	Setsoto Stadium
FIFA code	LES
FIFA ranking
Current	145 1 (31 March 2022)[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 represents 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").

Recent results and fixtures

2021

27 March 2021 AFCONQ	Lesotho	0–0	Sierra Leone	Setsoto Stadium, Maseru
15:00 UTC+2		Report		Referee: Andofetra Rakotojaona (Madagascar)

30 March 2021 AFCONQ	Nigeria	3–0	Lesotho	Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos
18:00 UTC+2	Osimhen 23' Etebo 50' Onuachu 83'	Report		Referee: Fabricio Duarte (Cape Verde)

6 July 2021 COSAFA Cup Group A	Eswatini	3–1	Lesotho	Port Elizabeth, South Africa
14:00 UTC+2	J. Figuaredo 30' F. Badenhorst 42' K. Khethukulhe 57' M. Mabelesa 66' F. Mamba 45' 78'	Report	J. Thabantso 7' T. Khutlang 45+4' T. Bereng 72'	Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Referee: Abongile Tom (South Africa)

8 July 2021 COSAFA Cup Group A	Zambia	1–2	Lesotho	Port Elizabeth, South Africa
12:00 UTC+2	K. Chongo 1' J. Shonga 2' B. Sakala 6'	Report	L. Fothoane 20' B. Makepe 37' S. Motebang 70', 88'	Stadium: Wolfson Stadium Referee: Akhona Makalima (South Africa)

10 July 2021 COSAFA Cup Group A	Lesotho	0–4	Botswana	Port Elizabeth, South Africa
12:00 UTC+2	N. Masoabi 37' L. Mphuthi 45+3' N. Lerotholi 47'	Report	T. Setsile 18' T. Orebonye 28', 45+4' (pen.), 69' G. Mohutsiwa 48' T. Kgamanyane 73'	Stadium: Wolfson Stadium Referee: Thulani Sibandze (Eswatini)

13 July 2021 COSAFA Cup Group A	South Africa	4–0	Lesotho	Port Elizabeth, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2	S. Letsoalo 5', 44', 57' S. Mkhulise 20' N. Njcobo 74' M. Mphahele 89'	Report	L. Fothoane 40' B. Makepe 56' M. Nkoto 67' T. Toloane 73'	Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Referee: Audrick Nkole (Zambia)

2022

23 March 2023 AFCON Q preliminary round	Seychelles	0–0	Lesotho	Saint Pierre, Mauritius
				Stadium: Complexe Sportif de Côte d'Or

27 March 2023 AFCON Q preliminary round	Lesotho	3–1 (3–1 agg.)	Seychelles	Soweto, South Africa
				Stadium: Dobsonville Stadium
Note: Lesotho won 3–1 on aggregate.

Players

Current squad

The following players were selected for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Seychelles on 23 and 27 March 2022 respectively.[2]

Caps and goals correct as of 27 March 2022, after the match against Seychelles

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1GK	Likano Mphuthing	(1989-04-24) 24 April 1989	15	0	Lesotho Defence Force
1GK	Sekhoane Moerane	(1997-09-18) 18 September 1997	10	0	Lesotho Mounted Police Service
1GK	Monaheng Ramalefane	(1998-12-22) 22 December 1998	1	0	Matlama

2DF	Basia Makepe	(1991-03-04) 4 March 1991	52	1	Lesotho Mounted Police Service
2DF	Kopano Tseka	(1991-11-08) 8 November 1991	31	1	Lesotho Correctional Services
2DF	Motlomelo Mkhwanazi	(1994-11-05) 5 November 1994	16	0	Bantu
2DF	Thabang Malane	(1997-06-10) 10 June 1997	11	0	Lesotho Correctional Services
2DF	Rethabile Rasethuntsa	(1994-11-22) 22 November 1994	8	0	Linare
2DF	John Mohai	(1998-01-05) 5 January 1998	1	0	Matlama
2DF	Rethabile Mokokoane	(1996-04-06) 6 April 1996	1	0	Matlama
2DF	Refiloe Mothae	(1991-06-06) 6 June 1991	0	0	Lesotho Correctional Services
2DF	Tsiame Ramabele		0	0	Lesotho Defence Force

3MF	Tumelo Khutlang	(1995-10-23) 23 October 1995	41	3	Black Leopards
3MF	Tsepo Toloane	(1997-07-15) 15 July 1997	26	0	Lesotho Defence Force
3MF	Lehlohonolo Fothoane	(1997-02-23) 23 February 1997	21	1	Bantu
3MF	Tshwarelo Bereng	(1990-10-30) 30 October 1990	16	1	Marumo Gallants
3MF	Lisema Lebokollane	(1993-02-24) 24 February 1993	15	0	Matlama
3MF	Tumelo Makha	(1999-10-22) 22 October 1999	6	0	Lioli
3MF	Neo Mokhachane	(1996-09-22) 22 September 1996	1	0	Bantu
3MF	Tshepang Sefali	(1996-07-07) 7 July 1996	1	0	Bantu
3MF	Moteloa Khemisi		0	0	Matlama
3MF	Motlatsi Kokoana		0	0	Lesotho Defence Force
3MF	Thabo Lesaoana	(1993-11-07) 7 November 1993	0	0	Bantu
3MF	Letlatsa Moshoeshoe	(1992-08-31) 31 August 1992	0	0	Lesotho Defence Force

4FW	Jane Thabantso	(1996-01-22) 22 January 1996	62	8	Matlama
4FW	Sera Motebang	(1995-05-01) 1 May 1995	41	9	Bloemfontein Celtic
4FW	Katleho Makateng	(1998-09-20) 20 September 1998	1	0	Lesotho Defence Force

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	Jessy Matsie	(2000-12-01) 1 December 2000	1	0	Lioli	v. South Africa; July 13, 2021

DF	Nkau Lerotholi	(1990-09-27) 27 September 1990	66	2	Lesotho Mounted Police Service	v. South Africa; July 13, 2021
DF	Bokang Sello	(1994-08-08) 8 August 1994	29	0	Bantu	v. South Africa; July 13, 2021

MF	Koete Mohloai	(1989-08-06) 6 August 1989	0	0	Lesotho Defence Force	v. South Africa; July 13, 2021

FW	Masoabi Nkoto	(1992-01-14) 14 January 1992	30	2	Merani Martvili	v. South Africa; July 13, 2021
FW	Thabiso Brown	(1995-10-03) 3 October 1995	11	1	Aurora	v. South Africa; July 13, 2021
FW	Thabiso Mari	(1996-09-14) 14 September 1996	2	0	Likhopo	v. South Africa; July 13, 2021
^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 27 March 2022

Players in bold are still active with Lesotho.

Most appearances
Rank	Player	Caps	Goals	Career
1	Nkau Lerotholi	66	2	2008–present
2	Jane Thabantso	62	8	2015–present
3	Hlompho Kalake	53	7	2015–present
	Tšoanelo Koetle	53	2	2011–present
	Bushi Moletsane	53	3	2004–2015
6	Basia Makepe	52	1	2012–present
7	Thapelo Mokhele	49	2	2006–2018
8	Mabuti Potloane	46	2	2012–2018
9	Thapelo Tale	45	7	2008–present
10	Thabo Masualle	42	2	2006–2015

Top goalscorers
Rank	Player	Goals	Caps	Ratio	Career
1	Sera Motebang	10	42	0.24	2016–present
2	Refiloe Potse	9	23	0.39	1998–2009
3	Tsepo Seturumane	8	38	0.21	2013–present
3	Jane Thabantso	8	60	0.13	2015–present
5	Thapelo Tale	7	45	0.16	2008–present
5	Hlompho Kalake	7	53	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

Managers

April Phumo (1979–95)
Lefa Ramakau (2000–??)
Monaheng Monyane (2003–04)
Antoine Hey (2004–06)
Motheo Mohapi (2006–07)
Zaviša Milosavljević (2007–09)
Leslie Notši (2009, caretaker)
Leslie Notši (2011–13)
Adam Siddorn (2013, caretaker)
Seephephe Matete (2014–15)
Moses Maliehe (2015–2019)
Mpitsa Marai (2019)
Thabo Senong (2019–2021)
Leslie Notši (2021–)

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record									FIFA World Cup 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
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1957 to 1963	Part of United Kingdom
1965 to 1972	Did not enter
1974	Did not qualify
1976	Withdrew
1978	Did not enter
1980 to 1982	Did not qualify
1984	Withdrew
1986	Did not enter
1988	Withdrew
1990 to 1992	Did not enter
1994	Did not qualify
1996	Withdrew during qualifying
1998	Banned for withdrawing in 1996
2000 to 2010	Did not qualify
2012	Did not enter
2013 to 2021	Did not qualify
2023	To be determined
2025	To be determined
Total		0/33

COSAFA Cup

COSAFA Cup record
Year	Rank	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1997	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
1998	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
1999	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2000	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2001	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2002	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2003	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2004	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2005	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2006	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2007	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2008	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2009	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2013	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2015	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2016	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2017	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2018	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2019	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total	0/19	-	-	-	-	-	-

Head-to-head record

As of 17 November 2019 after match against Nigeria[3]

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	30	5	11	14	23	35	−12
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	11	3	4	4	12	12	0
Niger	2	1	0	1	3	3	0
Nigeria	3	0	0	3	2	7	−5
São Tomé and Príncipe	2	0	1	1	0	1	−1
Senegal	2	0	0	2	0	4	−4
Seychelles	2	1	0	1	2	3	−1
Sierra Leone	1	0	1	0	1	1	0
South Africa	13	2	4	7	10	22	−12
Sudan	2	1	1	0	3	1	+2
Eswatini	40	12	13	15	41	46	−5
Tanzania	5	2	2	1	4	5	−1
Uganda	5	0	2	3	0	8	−8
Zambia	14	0	6	8	7	36	−29
Zimbabwe	24	2	7	15	23	54	−31
Total	279	51	85	143	224	464	−240

Kit suppliers

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

Honours

COSAFA Cup :

Runners-up: 2000

References

"The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
squad for AFCON 2023 qualification
"World Football Elo Ratings: Lesotho". Elo Ratings. Retrieved 28 June 2017.

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. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.

[2] squad for AFCON 2023 qualification

[3] "World Football Elo Ratings: Lesotho". Elo Ratings. Retrieved 28 June 2017.

National football teams of Africa (CAF)
North Africa (UNAF)	Algeria Egypt Libya Morocco Tunisia
West Africa (WAFU)	Benin Burkina Faso Cape Verde Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Liberia Mali Mauritania Niger Nigeria Senegal Sierra Leone Togo
East Africa (CECAFA)	Burundi Djibouti Eritrea Ethiopia Kenya Rwanda Somalia South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Uganda Zanzibar¹
Central Africa (UNIFFAC)	Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Congo DR Congo Equatorial Guinea Gabon São Tomé and Príncipe
Southern Africa (COSAFA)	Angola Botswana Comoros Eswatini Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles South Africa Zambia Zimbabwe
Non-regional Members	Réunion¹
¹ Associate member of CAF but not member of FIFA