Seabata Mahao
Lesotho’s Under-20 national football team, Makoanyane XI, will compete in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Council of Southern African Football Association (COSAFA) Qualifiers, taking place in Mozambique from yesterday to October 5, 2024.
The team, coached by Halemakale Mahlaha, has been drawn into Group C, where they will face South Africa, Malawi, and Comoros. Makoanyane XI will kick off their AFCON qualifiers campaign against Comoros today, September 27, before facing South Africa on Sunday, September 29.
They will conclude the group stage with a match against Malawi on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Earlier this week, the team held their final training session ahead of their departure to Mozambique on Tuesday.
This followed a series of friendly matches against Mozambique in preparation for the COSAFA campaign, including a goalless draw last Sunday, September 22, at the Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena.
The Makoanyane XI provisional squad includes the following players:
Goalkeepers:
- Reitumetse Moeletsi (AC TIP FC)
- Leluma Mofoka (Matlama FC)
Defenders:
- Kabelo Ngatane (Kick4Life FC)
- Lehlohonolo Leemisa (Majantja FC)
- Mahlomola Mafetoe (AC TIP FC)
- Bafokeng Ntšeno (Kick4Life FC)
- Malefatsane Tamako (Matlama FC)
Midfielders:
- Tumelo Mokena (CCX FC)
- Sechaba Mohapi (Lioli FC)
- Rorisang Malefane (Linare FC)
- Reamohetse Mefane (Majantja FC)
- Thandazo Ndlovu (Majantja FC)
- Tšepo Senamolele (Kick4Life FC)
- Chewane Ntakha (LMPS FC)
- Mokhethi Raputsoe (Mzamane FC)
- Tumelo Shai (Orlando Pirates FC)
Forwards:
- Limpho Ralesupi (Majantja FC)
- Tšepo Kome (Majantja FC)
- Paseka Maile (Kick4Life FC)
- Tholang Makuru (Lioli FC)
Makoanyane XI has qualified twice before for the continental youth tournament, first in 2005 under the leadership of the late Seepheephe ‘Mochine’ Matete and Lehlohonolo Thotanyana, and again in 2011 with coaches Leslie Notši and the late Moses Maliehe at the helm.
The nation eagerly awaits to see if Makoanyane XI can repeat their success and secure a spot in the prestigious AFCON tournament.
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