Lesotho
Shirt badge/Association crest
AssociationLesotho Football Association (LeFA)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCOSAFA
(Southern Africa)
Head coachPule Khojane
CaptainBoitumelo Rabale
FIFA codeLES
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 174 Decrease 6 (15 December 2023)[1]
Highest111 (December 2017 – March 2018)
Lowest174 (December 2023)
First international
 Mozambique 3–0 Lesotho 
(Mozambique; 28 March 1998)
Biggest win
 Lesotho 3–0 Eswatini 
(Gqeberha, South Africa; 1 September 2022)
Biggest defeat
 Lesotho 0–15 Zimbabwe 
(Harare, Zimbabwe; 19 April 2002)

The Lesotho women's national football team is the national team of Lesotho and is controlled by the Lesotho Football Association. The team is popularly known as Mehalalitoe.[2]

History

The senior team is nicknamed the Beautiful Flowers.[3]

On 28 March 1998, Lesotho played Mozambique in Mozambique. The game was tied 0–0 at the half before Mozambique scored three goals to win the game 3–0.[4] In Maseru on 19 April 1998, Lesotho again played Mozambique. Lesotho was up 2–1 at the half and went on to win the game 4–2.[4] In 2002, the team played 4 games.[5] The country participated in the 2002 COSAFA Women's Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe. They were in Group A. They lost on 19 April to Zimbabwe 0–15, lost to Malawi 0–3 on 21 April, and lost to Zambia 1–3 on 23 April.[4][6] In 2003, the team played 1 game.[5] In 2004, the team played 1 game.[5] In 2005, the team played 2 games.[5] In 2005, Zambia was supposed to host a regional COSAFA women's football tournament, with ten teams agreeing to send teams including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland.[7]

In 2006, the team had 3 training sessions a week and played 2 games.[5] The country participated in the 2006 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations women's tournament in Lusaka. They were in Group B. On 22 August, they lost to South Africa 0–9. On 23 August, the team lost to Malawi 0–3.[4][6] The national team's poor performance was contributed to by the fact that they only held a training camp for the competition a week before it started.[8] In 2006, the national team coach was Lethola Masimong. Masimong wanted a national league created in the country in order to help develop the game and improve the national team's performance. His comments came after the team was eliminated from the 2006 Confederation of Southern African Football Associations tournament.[8]

In 2010, the country did not have a team competing in the African Women's Championships.[9] The country did not have a team competing at the 2011 All Africa Games.[10] In July 2011, the team played several games in Harare. On 2 July 2011, the Lesotho played Zimbabwe, losing 0–4. On 2 July, they played Mozambique. At half time, they were tied 2–2 but went on to win the game 3–2. On 5 July, they lost to Malawi 2–5.[4][11] The games were part of the 2011 COSAFA Women's Championship.[11] On 17 August 2011, in a game in Maseru, they lost 0–4 to Mozambique.[4]

In 2006, Lesotho women's national football team was ranked 125.[12] In 2007, they were ranked 144.[12] In 2008, they were ranked 117.[12] In 2009, they were ranked 92.[12] In 2010, they were ranked 128.[12] In 2011, they were ranked 136.[12] In March 2012, they were ranked 135th best in the world.[12] In June 2012, the team was ranked the 135th best in the world.[13]

Background and development

Early development of the women's game at the time colonial powers brought football to the continent was limited as colonial powers in the region tended to take make concepts of patriarchy and women's participation in sport with them to local cultures that had similar concepts already embedded in them.[14] The lack of later development of the national team on a wider international level symptomatic of all African teams is a result of several factors, including limited access to education, poverty amongst women in the wider society, and fundamental inequality present in the society that occasionally allows for female specific human rights abuses.[15] When quality female football players are developed, they tend to leave for greater opportunities abroad.[16] Continent wide, funding is also an issue, with most development money coming from FIFA, not the national football association.[16] Future, success for women's football in Africa is dependent on improved facilities and access by women to these facilities. Attempting to commercialise the game and make it commercially viable is not the solution, as demonstrated by the current existence of many youth and women's football camps held throughout the continent.[14] Nada Grkinic was FIFA's international development manager. In 2007, one of her goals was to work on improving women's football in Africa and included work specifically pertaining to Lesotho.[17]

The national federation was created in 1932.[5] They joined FIFA in 1964. Their kit includes blue, white and green shirts, white shorts, and blue and white socks.[5][18]

Football is the third most popular sport in the country, behind netball and athletics.[5] Inside Lesotho, football is used to develop women's self-esteem.[19] In 2006, there were 5,200 registered female football players, of which 5,000 were junior players and 200 were senior players.[5] The number of female players has been increasing. In 2000, there were 210 registered players. In 2001, there were 350 registered players. In 2002, there were 480 registered players. In 2003, there were 750 registered players. In 2004, there were 2,180 registered players. In 2005, there were 4,600 registered players. In 2006, there were 5,200 registered players.[5] In 2006, there were 61 total football clubs in the country, with 54 being mixed gendered teams and 7 being all women teams.[5] Rights to broadcast the 2011 Women's World Cup in the country were bought by the African Union of Broadcasting.[20]

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Lose   Fixture

1998

DateLocationHome teamScoreAway teamSource
28/03/1998 Mozambique Mozambique Mozambique 3:0 (0:0) Lesotho Lesotho [4]
12/04/1998 Maseru Lesotho Lesotho 4:2 (2:1) Mozambique Mozambique [4]

2002

DateLocationHome teamScoreAway teamSource
19/04/2002 Harare Zimbabwe Zimbabwe 15:0 Lesotho Lesotho [4]
21/04/2002 Harare Lesotho Lesotho 0:3 Malawi Malawi [4]
23/04/2002 Harare Lesotho Lesotho 1:3 Zambia Zambia [4]

2006

DateLocationHome teamScoreAway teamSource
22/08/2006 Lusaka Lesotho Lesotho 0:9 (0:5) South Africa South Africa [4]
23/08/2006 Lusaka Lesotho Lesotho 0:3 (0:1) Malawi Malawi [4]

2011

DateLocationHome teamScoreAway teamSource
2/07/2011 Harare Zimbabwe Zimbabwe 4:0 Lesotho Lesotho [4]
3/07/2011 Harare Lesotho Lesotho 3:2 (2:2) Mozambique Mozambique [4]
5/07/2011 Harare Malawi Malawi 5:2 Lesotho Lesotho [4]
17/08/2011 Maseru Lesotho Lesotho 0:4 Mozambique Mozambique [4]

2022

1 September 2022 COSAFA Women's Championship Group B Lesotho  3–0  Eswatini Gqeberha
12:00
  • Rabale 7', 33', 88'
 Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
4 September 2022 COSAFA Women's Championship Group B Zambia  7–0  Lesotho Port Elizabeth
15:30
Stadium: Madibaz Stadium

2023

12 August Friendly Botswana  1–1  Lesotho Gaborone, Botswana
Stadium: Botswana National Stadium
6 October 2023 (2023-10-06) 2023 COSAFA WC GS Zimbabwe  1–0  Lesotho Pretoria, South Africa
12:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Referee: Seonyatseng Tshephe (Botswana)
9 October 2023 (2023-10-09) 2023 COSAFA WC GS Botswana  3–0  Lesotho Johannesburg, South Africa
12:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Dobsonville Stadium
Referee: Akhona Makalima (South Africa)
11 October 2023 (2023-10-11) 2023 COSAFA WC GS Lesotho  0–2  Namibia Johannesburg, South Africa
15:30 UTC+2 Report
Stadium: UJ Stadium
Referee: Maria Rivet (Mauritius)

Coaching staff

Current coaching staff

Role Name Ref.
Head coach Pule Khojane [21]

Managerial history

  • Lehloenya Nkhasi(20xx–2022)
  • Lesotho Pule Khojane (2022-)

Players

Current squad

The following players were named on 20 September 2023 for the 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship tournament.[22]

Caps and goals accurate up to and including 30 October 2021.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Thuto Maifo (1995-05-25) May 25, 1995 Lesotho LMPS Ladies
16 1GK Mpolokeng Mothomots'oana (2000-10-11) October 11, 2000 Lesotho LDF Ladies
23 1GK Mamakhabane Makibinyane (2002-10-27) October 27, 2002 Lesotho LDF Ladies
2 2DF Mosili Mots'oeneng (1996-08-15) August 15, 1996 South Africa Royal AM
3 2DF Ts'oanelo Leboka (1996-07-21) July 21, 1996 Lesotho LDF Ladies
5 2DF Thato Mapepesa (2003-01-24) January 24, 2003 Lesotho LDF Ladies
9 2DF Lerato Mphou (1999-10-30) October 30, 1999 Lesotho LDF Ladies
13 2DF Limakatso Matibi (2000-01-16) January 16, 2000 Lesotho LMPS Ladies
19 2DF Bokang Ntsane (2002-07-20) July 20, 2002 Lesotho LDF Ladies
20 2DF Ntsatsi Khakanyo (1992-07-26) July 26, 1992 Lesotho LDF Ladies
21 2DF Mathebe Ramphielo (1996-06-22) June 22, 1996 Lesotho LMPS Ladies
4 3MF Nthabeleng Makhabane (2003-05-17) May 17, 2003 Lesotho LDF Ladies
6 3MF Mosele Pita (1998-05-25) May 25, 1998 Lesotho LDF Ladies
7 3MF Molemo Mokhothu (1998-10-08) October 8, 1998 Lesotho Kick 4 Life
10 3MF Boitumelo Rabale (1996-08-05) August 5, 1996 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns
14 3MF Marsu'ukulu Motloheloa (2001-12-01) December 1, 2001 Lesotho Kick 4 Life
17 3MF Nthabeleng Potsane (1998-10-29) October 29, 1998 Lesotho LDF Ladies
18 3MF Maseriti Mohlolo (1997-04-22) April 22, 1997 Lesotho LDF Ladies
22 3MF Bohlokoa Mothala (1999-09-10) September 10, 1999 Lesotho Stoko
8 4FW Lits'eoane Maloro South Africa Royal AM
11 4FW Nteboheleng Mohoshela (2000-12-25) December 25, 2000 Lesotho Kick 4 Life
12 4FW Makhotso Moalosi (2003-07-04) July 4, 2003 Lesotho Berea Ladies
15 4FW Phuzile Molefe (1997-01-18) January 18, 1997 Lesotho LDF Ladies

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up to the Lesotho in the past 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up

Previous squads

COSAFA Women's Championship

Individual records

*Active players in bold, statistics correct as of 1 January 2022.

Competitive record

FIFA Women's World Cup

FIFA Women's World Cup record
Year Result GP W D* L GF GA GD
China 1991 Did not exist
Sweden 1995
United States 1999
United States 2003
China 2007 Did not enter
Germany 2011
Canada 2015 Did not qualify
France 2019 Did not enter
AustraliaNew Zealand 2023
Total0/9-------

Olympic Games

Summer Olympics record
Year Result Pld W D* L GS GA GD
United States 1996Did not exist
Australia 2000
Greece 2004
China 2008Did not Qualify
United Kingdom 2012Did not enter
Brazil 2016
Japan 2020
Total0/70000000
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Africa Women Cup of Nations

Africa Women Cup of Nations record
Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA
1991 to South Africa 2004 Did not exist
Nigeria 2006 to Equatorial Guinea 2012Did not enter
Namibia 2014 Did not Qualify
Cameroon 2016 Did not enter
Ghana 2018
Republic of the Congo 2020 Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in Africa
Morocco 2022 Did not enter
Total0/12------

African Games

African Games record
Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA GD
Nigeria 2003 Did Not exist
Algeria 2007 Did Not enter
Mozambique 2011
Republic of the Congo 2015
Morocco 2019
Republic of the Congo 2023To be determined
Total0/4000000

Regional

COSAFA Women's Championship

COSAFA Women's Championship record
Year Round Pld W D* L GS GA GD
Zimbabwe 2002Group stage
Zambia 2006Group stage
Angola 2008Did not enter
Zimbabwe 2011Group stage3102511−6
Zimbabwe 2017Group stage310227−5
South Africa 2018Group stage3003110−9
South Africa 2019Did not enter
South Africa 2020Group stage2002017−17
South Africa 2021Did not enter
South Africa 2023 Group stage300306-6
TotalGroup stage142012851−43
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking". FIFA. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  2. ↑ "Lesotho Football Association". Lesotho Football Association. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  3. ↑ de Kretser, Chris; Firkin, Katherine (January 13, 2010). "Pharaohs lead African assault". Herald Sun. Melbourne, Australia. p. 69. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 "Lesotho: Fixtures and Results". Archived from the original on October 21, 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 FIFA (2006). "Women's Football Today" (PDF): 114. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 14, 2012. Retrieved 8 June 2012. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. 1 2 "COSAFA Women Tournaments". Rsssf.com. 2006-09-07. Retrieved 2012-04-13.
  7. ↑ Mukoka, Augustine (August 16, 2005). "The Post (Zambia) – AAGM: Zambia to Host Cosafa Women's Soccer Tourney". The Post. Lusaka, Zambia. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
  8. 1 2 Nambule, Wendy (August 24, 2006). "Lesotho Coach Calls for Women Soccer League". The Post. Lusaka, Zambia. Retrieved 15 April 2012.
  9. ↑ "Fixtures – African Women Championship 2010 – CAF". Cafonline.com. Archived from the original on 2012-04-14. Retrieved 2012-04-13.
  10. ↑ "Groups & standings – All Africa Games women 2011 – CAF". Cafonline.com. Archived from the original on 2012-05-10. Retrieved 2012-04-13.
  11. 1 2 "Cosafa Competitions". Cosafa.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-18. Retrieved 2012-04-26.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Lesotho: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2007. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  13. ↑ "The FIFA Women's World Ranking". FIFA.com. 2009-09-25. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  14. 1 2 Peter Alegi (2 March 2010). African Soccerscapes: How a Continent Changed the World's Game. Ohio University Press. ISBN 978-0-89680-278-0. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  15. ↑ Jean Williams (15 December 2007). A Beautiful Game: International Perspectives on Women's Football. Berg. p. 186. ISBN 978-1-84520-674-1. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  16. 1 2 Gabriel Kuhn (24 February 2011). Soccer Vs. the State: Tackling Football and Radical Politics. PM Press. p. 34. ISBN 978-1-60486-053-5. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  17. ↑ Northcroft, Jonathan (June 3, 2007). "Big game hunters – Football". The Sunday Times. London, England. p. 12. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  18. ↑ Pickering, David (1994). The Cassell soccer companion : history, facts, anecdotes. London: Cassell. p. 181. ISBN 0304342319. OCLC 59851970.
  19. ↑ Allen, Karen (2011-03-08). "BBC News – Has Lesotho bridged the gender gap?". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-04-26.
  20. ↑ "FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011TM Media Rights Licensees" (PDF). FIFA. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  21. ↑ "Khojane embracing Mehalalitoe challenge". 2 August 2022.
  22. ↑ "Mehalalitoe Squad for COSAFA Women's Championship 2023". Lesotho Football Association. 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
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