South Africa vs Lesotho Preview & Tips - Hosts tipped for victory

South Africa have yet to concede in their two matches at the COSAFA Cup. A win to nil is tipped for this match.

South Africa hold a 5-2 advantage against Lesotho across ten previous meetings with three draws.

The sides last met in the CHAN tournament for domestically based players in 2019. Lesotho won that encounter 3-0.

Bafana Bafana came into the COSAFA Cup having failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. They finished third in their group behind Ghana and Sudan.

After a 1-1 draw in Ghana, Bafana Bafana needed a draw in Sudan to qualify for the AFCON but were beaten 2-0. A 3-2 friendly win against Uganda followed.

In the COSAFA Cup, South African have beaten Botswana and Eswatini 1-0 in their two matches. Thabang Sibanyoni was the goal scorer against Eswatini who played half the match a man down.

Goalkeepers: Veli Mothwa, Lincoln Vyver

Defenders: Rushine De Reuck, Nyiko Mobbie, Njabulo Ngcobo, Sifiso Ngobeni, Basil Mphahlele, Austin Dube, Vusi Sibiya

Midfielders: Masilake Pholongo, Sphelele Mkhulise, Ethan Brooks, Siyethemba Sithebe, Kgaogelo Sekgota, Tiklas Thutlwa, Yusuf Maart, Bright Ndlovu, Siyanda Msani, Lebohang Maboe

Strikers:  Thabang Sibanyoni, Monnapule Saleng, Kagiso Malinga, Victor Letsoalo

South Africa were hit hard by the withdrawals of the Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs players.

The squad was down to the bare bones due to COVID-19. Three new players have been called up for the match in the shape of defender Vusi Sibiya, experienced midfielder Lebohang Maboe and striker Victor Letsoalo.

Lesotho were 11 matches without a victory going into this competition. They failed to qualify for AFCON 2021 after finishing last in their qualification group.

Two solid goalless draws at home against Benin and Sierra Leone was followed by a 3-0 loss in Nigeria. Lesotho started the COSAFA Cup with a defeat to Eswatini but had to play 83 minutes with 10 men.

Motebang Sera scored twice late on to secure a 2-1 win against Zambia in Lesotho's next match. In their last match Lesotho were hammered 4-0 by Botswana. 

Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane, Teboho RatibisiJersey Matsie

Defenders: Thabang Malane, Mokoteli Mohapi, Thabo Mongali, Bokang Sello, Lesia Thetsane, Kopano Tseka, Lisema Lebokollane, Basia Makepe, Nkau Lerotholi, Rethabile Rasethuntsa, Shali Lekhotla, Kabai Mohlatsana.

Midfielders: Thabo Lesaoana, Koenehelo Mothala, Tumelo Ngatane, Ts’epo Toloane, Koete Mohloai, Tseole Ranthimo, Tshwarelo Bereng, Neo Mokhachane, Jane Tsotleho, Tumelo Khutlang, Tumelo Makha, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Napo Matsoso, Moteloa Khemisi, Thabo Seakhoa, Jane Thabantso.

Forwards: Thabiso Mari, Thabiso Brown, Motebang Sera, Nkoto Masoabi, Monyatheli Ntobo

Lesotho suffered a blow right before the COSAFA Cup as head coach Thabo Senong resigned to take a job in South Africa.

Key attackers Motebang Sera and Thabiso Brown were only substitutes against Botswana with just one rest day between fixtures. Both will return to start as will midfielder Tshwarelo Bereng.