The New Peter Mokaba Stadium will host South Africa vs Lesotho on Thursday, 21 March 2025, as both teams contend with each other for three valuable points. View our free predictions for this 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game below.
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South Africa vs Lesotho predictions: One team to blank
Key stats
- At least one team failed to score in each of Lesotho's last seven games.
- South Africa are on a three-match winning streak and a 15-game unbeaten run.
- Bafana Bafana led at half-time in six of their last eight matches.
- Six of Lesotho's last seven games went below the 2.5-goal line.
Correct score prediction: South Africa 2-0 Lesotho
Not only have Lesotho lost seven of their last 10 matches, but they also failed to score in four of their last five competitive games. Keeping in mind that Bafana Bafana have won three in a row, we are confident that the hosts will claim all the spoils after 90 minutes.
Pre-game odds and win probability: South Africa are overwhelming favourites
- HOME: 1/4 (1.25) – 80%
- DRAW: 17/4 (5.25) – 19%
- AWAY: 11/1 (12.00) – 8.3%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Lesotho have been impressive in the World Cup qualifiers, holding their own against Nigeria and Benin. Leslie Notsi’s men are fourth in Group C with five points from a possible 12.
On the other hand, Bafana Bafana have earned seven points from four group games and are second behind Rwanda. They have been a tough team to beat, having lost none of their last 15 games across all competitions.
With that in mind, South Africa are the expected winners at 1/4 (1.25). Teams with these odds usually have an 80% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our South Africa vs Lesotho predictions.
It is also worth mentioning that Bafana Bafana have opened the scoring in five consecutive games. They had the lead at the half-time break in six of their last eight matches.
On that note, HT South Africa to win has an appealing look at 3/4 (1.75). That one has a 57.1% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Business as usual for Bafana Bafana?
Excluding the African Nations Championship (CHAN), Bafana Bafana have never lost a competitive encounter with Lesotho. These teams have met twice in World Cup qualifiers, and South Africa won both clashes without conceding.
African Nations C'ship Qualifying 10/01/24
South Africa
Lesotho
COSAFA Cup 13/07/21
South Africa
Lesotho
African Nations C'ship Qualifying 04/08/19
South Africa
Lesotho
African Nations C'ship Qualifying 28/07/19
Lesotho
South Africa
COSAFA Cup 18/06/16
South Africa
Lesotho
South Africa preview: Looking to extend their winning streak
Coach Hugo Broos has called up Sekhukhune United left-back Vuyo Letlapa to replace Aubrey Modiba, and Polokwane City’s midfielder Ndamulelo Maphangule to replace Orlando Pirates’ Patrick Maswanganyi due to injury.
Notable inclusions in the squad are forwards Percy Tau, who returned after an absence since last June due to tensions with the national team setup; Lyle Foster, who has struggled with fitness concerns this season; and midfielder Jayden Adams, who was recalled after missing the AFCON qualifiers.
Predicted lineup: Williams (GK), Mudau, Ngezana, Sibisi, Basadien, Adams, Mokoena, Aubaas, Rayners, Tau & Foster.
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
W
Benin
0
South Africa
2
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
W
Lesotho
0
South Africa
2
African Nations C'ship Qualifying 02/03/25
D
Egypt
1
South Africa
1
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 19/11/24
W
South Sudan
0
South Africa
3
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 15/11/24
W
Uganda
0
South Africa
2
Lesotho preview: Hoping to improve their fortunes
Coach Leslie Notsi has prepared his final 23-man squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Rwanda. The regular players are all included, as they look to improve on a campaign that has not been bad so far in Group C (W1, D2, L1).
Predicted lineup: Moerane (GK), Rasethuntsa, Mokokoane, Makhetha, Malane, Makhele, Sefali, Mokhachane, Senkoto, Phatsisi & Motebang.
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
D
Rwanda
1
Lesotho
1
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
L
South Africa
2
Lesotho
0
African Nations C'ship Qualifying 28/12/24
W
Angola
0
Lesotho
1
African Nations C'ship Qualifying 21/12/24
L
Angola
2
Lesotho
0
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 18/11/24
L
Morocco
7
Lesotho
0
Player to watch: Iqraam Rayners
Iqraam Rayners has been in sensational form in recent weeks, scoring thrice and providing five assists in his last six appearances. The Mamelodi Sundowns forward will be called upon to provide the goals for Bafana Bafana.