5 Shocking Revelations About The Lesotho National Soccer Team (Likuena) And Their 2024/2025 Qualification Battles

The Lesotho national soccer team, affectionately known as *Likuena* (The Crocodiles), is currently navigating one of the most challenging and pivotal periods in its history. As of December 17, 2025, the team is deeply engaged in the rigorous 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaigns, showcasing a blend of surprising victories and frustrating setbacks that have captivated fans across Southern Africa. The recent performances, particularly a stunning away win in the World Cup qualifiers, confirm that this small, landlocked nation is no longer a guaranteed walkover, forcing major continental rivals to take notice of their tactical discipline and rising talent. This article delves into the most up-to-date information, fresh results, and the key figures driving *Likuena*'s ambition, providing a comprehensive look at their recent form, star players, and the strategic vision of their veteran head coach.

The Architect: A Detailed Profile of Coach Leslie Notši

The current strategic direction and fighting spirit of the Lesotho national team are intrinsically linked to the experience and local knowledge of Head Coach Leslie Notši. Notši is a figure of immense importance in Lesothan football, serving as both a guiding light for the national team and a dedicated figure in the domestic league.

Full Name: Leslie Notši

Nationality: Lesothan

Age: Approximately 61 (as of 2025)

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Current Role: Head Coach, Lesotho National Football Team (*Likuena*)

Additional Role: Coach, Lesotho Correctional Services FC (Lesotho Premier League)

Career Highlights: Notši has a wealth of experience working with various Lesotho national teams over more than a decade, bringing a deep understanding of the local player pool and football culture. His tenure is focused on instilling discipline and tactical solidity to help *Likuena* compete against CAF's elite. He is credited with leading the team during periods of significant regional competition, including the COSAFA Cup.

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Notši's dual role in coaching both the national side and a top-tier domestic club, Lesotho Correctional Services FC, provides him with unparalleled insight into the form and fitness of the nation's best players, allowing for seamless integration between the Premier League and the international setup. His long-term commitment to Lesothan football makes him the ideal leader for a team focused on developing a sustainable, competitive future.

Likuena's Recent Battlegrounds: 2024/2025 Qualification Results

The 2024/2025 season has been a rollercoaster for *Likuena*, marked by crucial matches in both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2025 AFCON qualification cycles. These results demonstrate the team’s growing ability to secure points against higher-ranked opponents, a testament to Coach Notši’s tactical improvements.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification Campaign

Lesotho is competing in Group C of the African World Cup Qualifiers, where they have delivered a headline-grabbing performance that momentarily propelled them to the top of the group standings. The most significant result of the campaign came in June 2024:

• Zimbabwe vs. Lesotho (June 2024): Lesotho secured a massive 2-0 away victory over Zimbabwe. This result was a major upset and a huge morale boost, proving *Likuena*'s capability to win on the road against regional rivals.
• Nigeria vs. Lesotho (November 2023): Despite a fighting performance, Lesotho lost 2-1 to the continental giants Nigeria, a result that nonetheless showed they can compete with the Super Eagles.

These results, including a win and a narrow loss against strong opponents, highlight a newfound resilience and tactical discipline, making them a dangerous dark horse in the group.

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The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers

The quest for a spot at the 2025 AFCON has seen *Likuena* drawn into a challenging Group B. Their recent results in the qualifiers showcase a mix of defensive solidity and an ability to grind out wins:

• Lesotho vs. Central African Republic (CAR): A vital 1-0 victory for Lesotho, demonstrating their ability to win crucial home fixtures.
• Gabon vs. Lesotho: A hard-fought 0-0 draw in Gabon, a valuable point secured away from home against a tough opponent, further emphasizing their improved defensive organization.
• Morocco vs. Lesotho: Lesotho suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco in Agadir.

These AFCON results—a win, a draw, and a narrow loss—underscore the team's evolution from a perennial outsider to a genuinely competitive side capable of frustrating even the most established African football nations.

The Rising Stars: Key Players and Their COSAFA Cup Heroics

The recent successes of the Lesotho national team are anchored by a core group of committed players, many of whom have honed their skills in the regional COSAFA Cup tournament. The performance in the 2023 COSAFA Cup, where *Likuena* reached the final, was a watershed moment for the squad.

Sekhoane Moerane: The Wall of Likuena

The undisputed star of the team is goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane. His exceptional performances were instrumental in *Likuena*'s run to the 2023 COSAFA Cup final, where he was deservedly named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Moerane is the team's captain and a veteran presence, providing a reliable last line of defense. His heroics in penalty shootouts, including a 3-0 win over Malawi in the 2023 semi-final, have become legendary among the fan base.

Defensive and Midfield Pillars (Topical Authority Entities)

The team’s competitive edge relies heavily on a solid defensive structure and a tenacious midfield. Key players who have stepped up in the 2024/2025 campaigns include:

• Bokang Sello: A reliable presence at Left Back, providing both defensive cover and width in attack.
• Thabo Matšoele: The Centre Midfielder acts as the engine room, responsible for breaking up opposition play and dictating the tempo of the game.
• Rethabile Senkoto: A key defender who contributes to the team's improved defensive record in the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.
• Ntsane Molise: A younger goalkeeper from Linare, whose inclusion in the recent COSAFA squad shows the team is actively developing its next generation of talent.

While the team faced a disappointing exit from the 2025 COSAFA Cup, the experience gained by these players in high-stakes matches is invaluable for their ongoing qualification bids.

The Home Fortress: Setsoto Stadium and the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA)

Every national team draws its strength from its home base, and for *Likuena*, that fortress is the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru. The Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) oversees all aspects of the team's operations, from grassroots development to international competition.

Setsoto Stadium: The Roar of Maseru

The Setsoto Stadium serves as the primary multi-purpose venue for the Lesotho national team. Located in the capital city of Maseru, the stadium has a capacity of approximately 13,900 spectators, providing a vibrant and intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. The stadium's artificial turf field is where many of *Likuena*'s most crucial qualification battles are fought, including their important 1-0 victory over the Central African Republic in the AFCON qualifiers. The passionate support of the home crowd is often cited as the team's '12th man,' providing a crucial psychological edge.

The Role of the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA)

LEFA is the governing body for football in the country. Their work is essential in managing the national team’s logistics, securing funding, and developing the sport from the youth level upwards. LEFA's strategic focus is on elevating Lesotho's FIFA ranking, which currently hovers around the 144th position (as of late 2025), with the goal of surpassing their historical high of 105. The association plays a critical role in ensuring that *Likuena* has the resources and competitive fixtures needed to continue its upward trajectory in African football.

Looking Ahead: The Crocodiles' Path to Continental Glory

The recent performances of the Lesotho national soccer team suggest a positive shift in their competitive outlook. The surprising success in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including the crucial win over Zimbabwe, has put them in a stronger position than many predicted. Coupled with a resilient showing in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, the team is building a reputation for being tactically astute and difficult to beat, especially under the guidance of Leslie Notši. The focus for *Likuena* remains on consistency. Converting draws into wins and maintaining defensive discipline against the continent’s top-tier teams will be essential for achieving their ultimate goal: securing a historic first-ever qualification for a major tournament. With a core group of talented players like Sekhoane Moerane and a committed coaching staff, the Crocodiles are poised to continue their fight, making the 2025 football calendar a must-watch for fans of African football.