Renewed hope has swept across Lesotho’s footballing landscape as the senior national team, Likuena, prepares for a crucial double-header in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers.
Lesotho will host continental giants Nigeria today, October 10, at 18h00, before welcoming Zimbabwe three days later on October 13, also at 18h00. Both matches will be staged at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
The upcoming fixtures mark the final round of Group C action. For the first time in months, Likuena are mathematically back in contention for a playoff spot, thanks to a dramatic intervention by FIFA.
In a surprising development, FIFA recently sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho earlier this year.
As a result, Likuena were awarded a 3-0 victory by forfeit, a decision that has transformed the Group C standings and revived Lesotho’s qualification hopes.
The ruling benefited Lesotho while having major implications for Nigeria, who now trail joint group leaders Benin and South Africa by three points. A defeat to Likuena on Friday could eliminate the Super Eagles from World Cup contention, making the encounter high-stakes for both nations.
Coach Leslie Notši and his technical team established camp in Polokwane earlier this week. The full squad is now assembled following the arrival of key South African-based players, including captain Sekhoane Moerane, Thabo Makhele, and Motebang Sera, all fresh from Premier Soccer League duty.
Confidence is high in the camp, buoyed by encouraging results in the reverse fixtures: a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in Uyo and a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe at Orlando Stadium earlier in the campaign.
Likuena’s provisional squad features a balanced mix of youth and experience:
Goalkeepers: Leluma Mofoka (Matlama), Sekhoane Moerane (Orbit College FC), Mosoeu Seahlolo (LCS FC)
Defenders: Mphale Mphalaole, Motlomelo Mkwanazi, Thabang Malane, and Siyabonga Manyaka among others
Midfielders: Kananelo Rapuleng, Neo Mokhachane, Hlompho Kalake, and Makara Ntaitsane provide creativity and control
Forwards: Motebang Sera, Jane Thabantšo, and Thabang Maphakisa lead the attack
After today’s battle with Nigeria, Likuena will face Southern African rivals Zimbabwe in what promises to be another intense encounter. Lesotho hold the psychological advantage after defeating the Warriors 2-0 in the first leg and will be eager to complete the double.
This week could mark a defining chapter in Lesotho football history. With FIFA’s unexpected intervention reopening the qualification door, Likuena now have a genuine opportunity to defy expectations and mount a serious push toward their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
Summary
- For the first time in months, Likuena are mathematically back in contention for a playoff spot, thanks to a dramatic intervention by FIFA.
- In a surprising development, FIFA recently sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho earlier this year.
- Likuena were awarded a 3-0 victory by forfeit, a decision that has transformed the Group C standings and revived Lesotho’s qualification hopes.
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