The Lesotho vs Bafana Bafana FIFA World Cup qualifier takes place on Friday, 5 September 2025 at 18:00 SAST at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Match details and venue confusion
Originally, FIFA and CAF asked for the game to be moved to Dr Molemela Stadium.
But since tickets had already been sold for Free State Stadium, and the pitch was later approved after inspection, the game will go ahead as originally planned.
The stadium holds 42,000 fans and is expected to be packed.
What’s at stake in Group C
This is more than just a border rivalry. It is a match that could push Bafana Bafana closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- South Africa currently leads Group C with 13 points from six matches.
- Rwanda and Benin follow with eight points each.
- Nigeria has seven, Lesotho six, and Zimbabwe four.
If South Africa beats both Lesotho and Nigeria in this round of fixtures, they will be just one step away from qualification. For Lesotho, a win would keep their slim World Cup dream alive.
Lesotho squad news
Coach Leslie Notsi has named a 24-man squad that includes several players based in South Africa.
Key names include:
- Thabo Makhele (former SA U-23 defender, now with Siwelele)
- Tsoarelo Bereng (34-year-old veteran midfielder, currently at Upington City)
- Sekhoane Moerane (Orbit College goalkeeper, expected to start)
- Katleho Makateng (forward, Lesotho Defence Force, previously played at Richards Bay)
- Tlotliso Phatsisi (Black Leopards midfielder)
Lesotho will also rely on its mix of home-based talent and experienced players who know South African football well.
Bafana Bafana squad news
Coach Hugo Broos has picked a strong squad, blending local stars with overseas-based talent.
Key names include:
- Ronwen Williams (goalkeeper, Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Teboho Mokoena (midfielder, Sundowns)
- Lyle Foster (forward, Burnley FC, England)
- Luke Le Roux (midfielder, Molde FK, Norway)
- Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates winger)
Broos said his players must show “not just skill, but also mental strength” to handle the pressure of qualification.
Head-to-head record
Since 2013, Lesotho and Bafana Bafana have met 10 times:
- South Africa won 4 matches.
- Lesotho won 2 matches.
- 4 games ended in a draw.
South Africa has scored 14 goals in those meetings compared to Lesotho’s 9.
Lesotho vs Bafana Bafana score prediction
With Bafana’s current form and stronger squad depth, they are favourites to win.
But Lesotho, playing in front of a big crowd in Bloemfontein, could be stubborn opponents.
Predicted score: Bafana Bafana 2 – 0 Lesotho
