Lesotho’s national Under-20 side, Makoanyane XI, continued their impressive preparations for the upcoming CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with another dominant display, defeating Empire United FC U19 4-0 in an international friendly on July 9, 2026.
The emphatic victory extended what has become a remarkable run of performances by coach Motolo Makepe’s youthful side, who have been building confidence through a series of competitive fixtures ahead of the COSAFA Under-20 Championship in September.
Makoa Makhalanyane opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Ntepane struck twice in the second half, finding the back of the net in the 63rd and 67th minutes to put the match beyond doubt. Phalatsi completed the rout with an 82nd– minute goal as Makoanyane XI once again showcased their attacking quality and defensive discipline.
The latest victory follows an equally impressive weekend campaign in Durban, South Africa, where the Lesotho U-20 national team proved they can compete with some of the country’s leading football academies during the KwaZulu-Natal National Tournament held at Tills Crescent Sports Grounds.
The tournament, which featured PSL outfit AmaZulu FC alongside several top academies from KwaZulu-Natal, provided Makoanyane XI with their first major competitive test since entering camp. The Basotho youngsters responded by winning three matches and reaching the semi-finals, firmly establishing themselves as one of the standout teams in the competition.
Their opening fixture saw Lesotho defeat Durban City U19 2-1 after PasekaNtlaloe had given Makoanyane XI a 1-0 halftime lead. Durban City equalised in the 65th minute before Kamohelo Sello restored Lesotho’s advantage, with Ntlaloe adding another goal to secure an important opening victory.
Confidence continued to grow in the second match as Makoanyane XI dismantled Benfica U19 5-0. MakoaMakhalanyane and BahlakoanaMotsie each grabbed braces, while Relebohile Molete completed the scoring in a commanding performance that highlighted Lesotho’s attacking depth.
The quarter-final against Bissa Football Academy proved to be a sterner examination, ending 1-1 after regulation time. However, Makoanyane XI held their nerve to win the penalty shootout 4-3 and book their place in the semi-finals.
Their impressive run eventually came to an end against Highlanders Football Academy after a goalless draw. The South African side progressed with a 5-3 victory in the penalty shootout, but the performance did little to diminish the positive impression left by the Basotho youngsters throughout the tournament.
Coach MotoloMakepe praised his players for their fearless displays and commitment throughout the Durban campaign and in the ongoing friendly matches.
“The team played very well. I am proud of my team as they showed no fear in this tournament,” said Makepe.
“They never took their foot off the gas; they fought for the badge.”
The encouraging performances have also generated excitement among local football supporters, who believe Lesotho’s investment in youth development is beginning to bear fruit.
Football supporter TlotlisoNtulielabo believes the national youth programme is moving in the right direction.
“I love how Lesotho is handling its sporting activities lately. The way young players are being given opportunities and the way Lesotho is trying to match up with the other big footballing countries brings us success, and it is showing in the way Makoanyane XI is playing right now,” he said.
The Durban campaign forms part of LeFA’s broader strategy to strengthen youth football pathways and prepare the next generation of national team players. With victories over some of South Africa’s respected development academies and another convincing friendly win against Empire United FC U19, optimism continues to grow around Makepe’s squad.
Makoanyane XI are currently in an intensive month-long training camp at BambathaTšita Sports Arena as they prepare for the CAF U-20 AFCON qualifiers, which will be staged during the COSAFA Under-20 Championship from September 21 to 30.
Coach Makepe selected a squad of 25 players for the camp, with the programme including several high-level friendlies designed to sharpen the team ahead of the regional qualifiers.
Lesotho will be aiming to qualify for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations for only the third time in history, having previously reached the tournament in 2005 under the late Seepheephe “Mochini” Matete and again in 2011 under Leslie Notši.
Summary
- Makoa Makhalanyane opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Ntepane struck twice in the second half, finding the back of the net in the 63rd and 67th minutes to put the match beyond doubt.
- The South African side progressed with a 5-3 victory in the penalty shootout, but the performance did little to diminish the positive impression left by the Basotho youngsters throughout the tournament.
- The way young players are being given opportunities and the way Lesotho is trying to match up with the other big footballing countries brings us success, and it is showing in the way Makoanyane XI is playing right now,” he said.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
