Bob Mafoso Names Lesotho Squad for Gabon AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Lesotho vs Gabon AFCON 2027 qualifiers take centre stage on 13 and 17 November 2026, with Bob Mafoso naming a 23-player squad for two Group A matches. The Lesotho national football team, known as Likuena, travel to Franceville for the opening fixture before hosting Gabon at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

Mafoso’s side enter the Gabon double-header seeking their first points after defeats to Niger and Morocco. The coach says Lesotho have learned from those games and expects a stronger showing, while the squad includes experienced players Sekhoane Moerane, Thabo Makhele and Motebang Sera. Follow Lesotho’s earlier qualifier against Niger for more context on their start to the campaign.

The Lesotho vs Gabon fixtures form Matchdays 3 and 4 of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Although Lesotho are the designated home side in the return meeting, that match is scheduled for South Africa. The Lesotho Football Association has confirmed both venues and dates; matchday kickoff times and starting teams should be taken from the official fixture releases.

Bob Mafoso has challenged Likuena to make better use of their opportunities after failing to collect a point from their opening two qualifiers. Speaking at the squad announcement, the coach said Lesotho created enough chances against Niger but were punished by a set piece and a transition.

Mafoso told the Lesotho Football Association: “We think we are there and brave enough to give a good show in the upcoming two games.” The coach also described the need for the team to show its shape and identity against Gabon. His remarks follow a difficult September window rather than an announced change in coaching staff.

The Lesotho 23-man squad combines established internationals with players recalled for the November matches. The Lesotho squad 2026 includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, ten midfielders and two forwards, according to the official association list.

The roster is led by experienced names, including goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, defender Thabo Makhele and striker Motebang Sera. The association says Sera is one goal away from drawing level with Jane Thabants’o as Lesotho’s all-time leading international scorer.

The latest Lesotho team news includes four injury absences reported by the Sunday Express: goalkeeper Monahaheng Ramalefane, midfielders Ts’epang Sefali and Rethabile Mokokoane, and forward Teboho Masuoane. Those Lesotho injuries prompted changes to the group selected for the November internationals.

LDF goalkeeper Mosoeu Seahlolo replaces Ramalefane, while Pheko ’Molaoa of Linare and Lebohang Lesako of Orbit College return to the squad after missing September’s matches. The local report on Mafoso’s selection provides further background on those changes. These are the announced squad selections, not confirmed lineups for either match.

The AFCON 2027 Group A draw places Lesotho alongside Morocco, Gabon and Niger. CAF confirmed the group in May 2026 and set the final qualifying window for 22–30 March 2027. The two highest-placed teams in Group A progress to the finals in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The Lesotho vs Niger result was a 2–1 defeat in Accra on 25 September, followed by a 2–0 home defeat to Morocco in Bloemfontein on 29 September. Those two AFCON 2027 match results left Lesotho without points from their opening two games. They now face Gabon twice before completing the campaign in March.

For the changing AFCON 2027 qualification standings, upcoming fixtures and match records, follow SportPesa Score. The group draw and qualification format remain available in CAF’s official AFCON 2027 overview.

The two Lesotho vs Gabon meetings offer Likuena an opportunity to improve their position before the final round of Group A fixtures in March. Gabon collected three points from their first two matches, while Lesotho entered the November window with none. That places added importance on the upcoming head-to-head games without deciding the qualification outcome in advance.

Mafoso’s players also face a distinctive travel schedule: an away fixture in Franceville and a return match in Polokwane rather than at a stadium in Lesotho. Readers can follow the broader AFCON 2027 tournament preparations as the East African hosts prepare for the finals.

Follow Lesotho live scores, results, confirmed lineups, match events and the AFCON 2027 schedule on SportPesa Score. For more Lesotho football news and related international football coverage, explore SportPesa Global’s football articles.

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Gabon host Lesotho on Friday, 13 November 2026, before Lesotho’s designated home fixture on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.

The return qualifier will be played at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

Bob Mafoso is the head coach of the Lesotho national football team for the November 2026 qualifying window.

Lesotho are in Group A with Morocco, Gabon and Niger. The top two finishers qualify for the 2027 finals.

Lesotho lost 2–1 to Niger and 2–0 to Morocco in September 2026.

Lesotho vs Gabon AFCON 2027 qualifiers present two immediate opportunities for Mafoso’s side to respond after defeats to Niger and Morocco. The coach has selected a 23-player squad led by experienced internationals, with new additions covering injury absences ahead of the matches in Franceville and Polokwane. Follow the latest Lesotho football fixtures, results and AFCON 2027 qualification standings through SportPesa Score as Group A continues.

READ ALSO: Niger vs Lesotho: AFCON 2027 Qualifier Preview