Lesotho vs South Africa Preview: Line-ups, Predictions & Where to Watch

Bafana Bafana are set for action on Friday with Group C's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Free State Stadium. 

This will be a massive match for Hugo Broos' men who are aware that a win will bring them closer to the prestigious global competition. The last time South Africa played in the tournament was way back in 2010 when they hosted it.

Bafana Bafana have never been this close to playing in the competition for the last 15 years and players are definitely psyched up to deliver.

Current Form and Head-to-Head Record

Under Broos, Bafana Bafana have become invincible and are the favourites to get Group C's ticket. In the six games played, they have secured four wins, a draw, and a loss, meaning they have accumulated 13 points. 

Rwanda and Benin are the closest with eight points each, while Nigeria have collected seven points, which puts them fourth on the table.

The Crocodiles of Lesotho have a single win, three draws, and two losses, which puts them fifth in the pool with six points, two more than bottom-placed Zimbabwe.

In the head-to-head record, both teams have two wins each in the last five meetings across all competitions, with one ending in a draw. The latest meeting, in the FIFA World Cup qualifier, ended 2-0 in favour of Bafana Bafana.

Current Standings and Permutations

South Africa have pulled ahead, but Rwanda, Benin, and Nigeria are close behind in a tense chase. Nigeria vs. Rwanda is a key clash, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe need wins to stay in contention. If Bafana Bafana handle their away test and hold off Nigeria at home, they’ll be tough to reel in.

• South Africa lead the group and could seal qualification with wins over Lesotho and Nigeria.
• Rwanda and Benin are still in contention but need strong results.
• Nigeria’s upcoming clash with Rwanda is pivotal.
• Lesotho and Zimbabwe need wins to stay in the race.

What They Said

“We are still strong enough to beat Lesotho, but again, we have to focus and we have to concentrate. We have to reach our level best, and we have to fight. Playing a good game of football is okay when we can do it, why shouldn’t we do it, but let’s start from the first game, from the first minute and fight for every second, for every square metre on the pitch and try to win that game. It would be a very good situation for us if we could win the game on Friday – Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana coach

Team News

Lesotho have defender Thabo Makhele, who played for South Africa's U23 team in their squad, having switched allegiance years ago. Orbit College's Sekhoane Moerane will also be key for the Crocodiles since he knows some of the Bafana Bafana players quite well.

South Africa misses the services of Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Ime Okon, who was recently called up, owing to injuries. The likes of Sipho Mbule and Thabo Moloisane, alongside Mbekezeli Mbokazi have a massive chance to underline their quality. 

Lesotho Probable XI: Moerane, Matlabe, Makhele, Mkwanazi, Malane, Toloane, Fothoane, Mokhachane, Bereng, Makhetha, Makateng

S. Africa Probable XI: Williams, Modiba, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Mdunyelwa, Adams, Mokoena, Mofokeng, Nkota, Appollis, Rayners

Where to Watch

As things stand in Group C ahead of Bafana Bafana's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/vcGQwhL7tq

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 4, 2025

The game will be played from 18.00 South African time; Mzansi fans who will not manage to watch the game live in Bloemfontein will follow proceedings on SuperSport or SABC Sport.