Seabata Mahao
The national football team head coach, Leslie Notši, has unveiled his 23-man squad for the upcoming Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) Cup.
Scheduled to take place in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, this year’s tournament promises thrilling matchups and high-stakes drama.
Notši’s selection largely mirrors the squad that recently competed in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, demonstrating confidence in his players’ abilities to shine on the regional stage.
Likuena have been drawn into the competitive Group C, where they will battle it out against three formidable opponents: three-time COSAFA champions Angola, 2015 champions Namibia, and the ever-persistent Seychelles.
The tournament kicks off on June 26 and runs through July 3.
Likuena, who finished as runners-up in the 2023 edition, are gearing up for a tough challenge. Their first test will come against Angola, a team with a rich history in the competition.
The match will be a significant test of Lesotho’s resilience and strategy, as they aim to improve on their narrow 1-0 loss to eventual champions Zambia last year.
The squad began their intensive training at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena on June 19, with a clear focus on honing their tactics and building team cohesion.
Despite never having won the COSAFA Cup, Likuena have a respectable head-to-head record against their Group C opponents. They have emerged victorious three times against Angola, although they have also faced defeat on four occasions.
Their encounters with Namibia have been closely contested, with two wins and one loss in their previous four meetings. Against Seychelles, Lesotho have claimed victory twice, lost once, and drawn once in their four matchups.
Likuena’s squad for COSAFA:
Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane, Ntsane Molise, and Tankiso Chaba.
Defenders: Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, Fusi Matlabe, Thato Sefuli, Rethabile Mokokoane, Rethabile Rasethuntša, Thabo Matšoele, Thabo Makhele, and Thabang Malane.
Midfielder: Lisema Lebokollane, Lehlohonolo Matsau, Tšepo Toloane, Tlotliso Phatsisi, Tepang Sefali, Tumelo Khutlang, Teboho Letsema, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, and Tswarelo Bereng.
Forwards: Jane Thabantšo, Lemohang Lintša and Motebang Sera.
The full COSAFA draw is shown below:
Group A: South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini, and, Botswana;
Group B: Zambia, Kenya, Comoros, and Zimbabwe;
Group C: Lesotho, Angola, Namibia and Seychelles.
