Southern African neighbors, Lesotho and South Africa, Clash in a CAF Group C encounter of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Lesotho is the host on paper, but plays its games at the Free State stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Bafana Bafana are top of the group, five points clear of Rwanda in second. Lesotho are fifth in Group C, but are just two points behind Rwanda. The hosts are huge underdogs against Bafana Bafana, which beat them 2-0 in the reverse fixture back in March.
Bet on Lesotho vs. South Africa with Bet365
Lesotho vs South Africa Details
- Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
- Time: 18:00 CAT
- Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, SA
Where to Watch Lesotho vs South Africa Live on TV or Stream
| Country | TV Channel/Stream |
|---|---|
| UK | FIFA+ |
| US | FIFA+ |
| Canada | FIFA+ |
| Africa | Supersport |
Lesotho vs South Africa Match Preview
Lesotho: form and statistics
The Crocodiles are fifth on the log in Group C with one win, three draws, and two losses. A total haul of 6 points means they are just 2 points behind the playoff spot, currently occupied by Rwanda, which has 8 points. Lesotho are winless in their last three World Cup qualifiers, returning a draw and two losses, a situation that has been unhelpful to Leslie Notsie's men. Overall, Lesotho has been poor of recent, failing to build any momentum. In three games this year, they scraped a 1-0 victory over Malawi, before being thumped by Angola and Namibia, conceding seven goals without scoring any in both games.
Lesotho possible starting lineup
Morane; Matlabe, Makhele, Mkwanazi, Malane, Toloane, Fothoane, Mokhachane, Bereng, Makhetho, Makateng.
Bet on Lesotho vs. South Africa with Bet365South Africa: form and statistics
Bafana Bafana are on 13 points from six games, sitting pretty at the top of the Group C table, with a 9-point buffer. They are unbeaten in four games against Lesotho, winning three and drawing one. A routine 2-0 win over their neighbors last March was clouded by controversy, with South Africa accused of fielding an ineligible player. While the verdict of FIFA is awaited, Hugo Broos' team should surely beat the Crocodiles again.
South Africa possible Starting lineup
Williams; Modiba, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Mobbie, Le Roux, Mkoena, Nkota, Mofokeng, Appellis, Rayners.
Lesotho vs South Africa Match Prediction
Although it is an away fixture, South Africa will be playing in Bloemfontein and will have more supporters in the stands than the listed hosts. Already the superior side, the familiar surroundings, and the fact that Bafana Bafana have won consecutive World Cup qualifiers coming into this game, we predict a South Africa victory, without Lesotho scoring a goal.
Lesotho vs South Africa Betting Odds
| Bookmakers | BTTS NO | SA to Win |
|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | 1.33 | 1.23 |
| 1xbet | 1.185 | 1.29 |
| Betway | 1.25 | 1.26 |
