Mafoso names final squad for COSAFA Championships

Makoanyane XI coach Bob Mafoso has announced his final squad for the upcoming COSAFA Championships to be staged in Lusaka, Zambia from 4 to 14 December.

Mafoso, who is heading to his second COSAFA tourney in charge of Lesotho youth team, is confident of an improving showing in Lusaka to make up for a disastrous campaign in the 2018 edition of the tournament.

The team from the Mountain Kingdom country have been paired alongside neighbours-South Africa, Mauritius and Madagascar in Group B.

“It’s a very tough group consisting of the defending champions in South Africa. I think all the teams in the group have an equal chance of making it past the group stage,” Mafoso said.

“We will be without a few of our key players, who had to withdraw from the team very late in our preparations, but overall I think we are better prepared than in the previous tournament.

“I appreciate the efforts of the association in helping us get ready for the tournament. We played the likes of Botswana and Eswatini and it has helped us to see our weaknesses and strength as team.”

Makoanyane XI will open their COSAFA Championship campaign against Madagascar on December 5 before taking on Mauritius two days later and will conclude their group stage phase against South Africa on December 10.

Lesotho Under-20 squad
Goalkeeper: Motlatsi Sebapala & Jessy Matsie.

Defenders: Molikeng Makhebesela, Tebello Mosoeu, Tieho Ntulo, Mellere Samuel Lebetsa, Retselisitsoe Lekhula, Tuntu Moroahae, Itumeleng Leche.

Midfielders: Tsele Rankhasa, Katiso Selili, Katiso Tsepe, Hlompho Ramanki, Tsokolo Nyatamana, Katleho Rapuleng, Kananelo Rapuleng, Mohami Percy Mohami.

Forwards: Tseliso Botsane, Relebohile Thulo, Katleho Sefuthi.