Lesotho coach aims to beat Super Eagles, South Africa and others for 2026 World Cup spot

Lesotho coach aims to beat Super Eagles, South Africa and others for 2026 World Cup spot

Hassan Abdulsalam 07:48 - 03.12.2024

Lesotho has never qualified for the World Cup, and this qualification campaign is a historic opportunity for the nation.  

Lesotho's head coach, Leslie Notsi, is optimistic as he believes his underdog team, the Crocodiles, can secure a coveted spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even while facing some of Africa's footballing giants in their group.  

A united Super Eagles before the game against Rwanda. (Photo Credit: Troost-Ekong/IG)
A united Super Eagles before the game against Rwanda. (Photo Credit: Troost-Ekong/IG)

Lesotho has never qualified for the World Cup, and this qualification campaign is a historic opportunity for the nation.  

Despite the daunting task at hand in Group C alongside Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria and Benin Republic, Notsi finds reasons for confidence.

He highlighted the team's impressive 1-1 draw away to Nigeria and a convincing win over Zimbabwe as testaments to their capabilities.

"We're in a group with giants like Nigeria and South Africa, but we've shown we can hold our own.

"We've secured results against teams with far greater resources," Notsi declared to FIFA.com.

Currently, Lesotho sits in fourth place in Group C with five points after four matches. The top position is a tight race, with Rwanda, South Africa, and the Benin Republic all tied for the lead with seven points each.

Super Eagles are through to the AFCON2025 as group winners. || Imago
Super Eagles are through to the AFCON2025 as group winners. || Imago

Three-time African champions, Nigeria, languish in fifth with only three points.  

The World Cup qualifiers will pick up again in March 2025, with Lesotho facing South Africa and Rwanda.

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