Lesotho get off COSAFA campaign on a low note

Lesotho get off COSAFA campaign on a low note
…as it loses 3-0 to South Africa
Leemisa Thuseho
LESOTHO Under-20 national team, Makoanyane XI, got their CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027 COSAFA qualifiers campaign off to a disappointing start after suffering a 3-0 defeat to South Africa’s Amajita in their opening Group B match yesterday.
The tournament, being held in Maputo, Mozambique, started on 18 September and will run until 27 September.
The Motlojoa Makepe-coached side went into the match hoping to end South Africa’s dominance over their neighbours, but they were unable to achieve that objective.
The two sides’ recent meetings in the COSAFA Championships were in 2020 and 2024, with Lesotho suffering heavy 7-0 and 6-0 defeats respectively.
Speaking after the match, Makepe said he was satisfied with how his players applied themselves despite the result.
“Congratulations to South Africa. This was a tough game and the opponents stressed us physically and tactically,” Makepe said.
“Despite the result, I am happy with my boys. They tried their best and played without fear. It is just that they were playing against the best.”
Makepe maintained that facing strong opposition such as South Africa was important if Lesotho was to improve and build a stronger team for the future.
“It is good that we play against the best. That is the route to take if we want to grow and build for the future,” he said.
Among the lessons Makepe took from the match was the need for greater investment in specialist support staff, including strength and conditioning coaches and video analysts.
He believes such additions would help improve the team’s overall athletic and technical performance.
Makoanyane XI are in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Eswatini. Following yesterday’s defeat, Lesotho will turn their attention to Eswatini on 21 September before facing Angola in their final group-stage match on 23 September.
Makoanyane XI are bidding to qualify for the AFCON finals for only the third time in the country’s history.
Lesotho previously qualified in 2005 under the late Seepheephe “Mochine” Matete, when the tournament was hosted by Benin, and again in 2011 under coach Leslie Notši, when South Africa staged the finals.