COSAFA Cup | Group Stage | 2nd Leg

Jun 8, 2025 at 11am UK

Estadio Nacional de OMBAKA

Angola vs Lesotho

Match preview

The defending champions began their title defence with a dramatic 1-1 draw against familiar opponents Namibia, despite playing with ten men for about half an hour after Randy Nteka was sent off in the 61^(st) minute.

The Palancas Negras thought they had secured a 2-1 victory when they scored a penalty in the 90^(th) minute, only to concede seven minutes into stoppage time and settle for a 1-1 draw.

This was a repeat of both the 2024 final and a group-stage fixture. Although Pedro Gonçalves's team were left frustrated, the late drama demonstrated their ability to compete until the very end, even when faced with adversity.

Having lifted the trophy for a fourth time last year, Angola remain favourites to top the group and will be eager to return to winning ways against a familiar opponent.

Lesotho opened their campaign with an impressive 1-0 win over Malawi, courtesy of Makara Ntaitsane's strike in the 87^(th) minute.

This positive start contrasts with their poor performance in the 2024 edition, where they finished bottom of their group with just one point. However, they are currently top of Group B.

Head coach Leslie Notsi will hope that this year's group can channel the spirit of their 2023 campaign, when they reached the final before losing to Zambia. This matched their best-ever finish in the competition. A result here would put Lesotho in a strong position to push for a place in the semi-finals.

Historically, Angola have dominated this fixture, winning five of the eight meetings and drawing once. However, Lesotho won the most recent fixture between the two teams, a CHAN qualification game.

Recent Performance

Angola COSAFA Cup form:D

Angola form (all competitions):DLDDDL

Lesotho COSAFA Cup form:W

Lesotho form (all competitions):LDWWWL

Team News

Angola will be without Rayo Vallecano midfielder Nteka, who was sent off in the opening match and is therefore suspended.

Goalkeeper Signori Antonio was forced off late in the game due to injury and is expected to be replaced in the starting line-up by Neblu, who replaced him against Namibia.

Lesotho’s match-winner, Ntaitsane, made an impact off the bench in their opening match, replacing Lehlohonolo Fothoane, and he is likely to be handed a starting role this time.

Khaketla Matamane is likely to lead the line once again and will be hoping to score in this year's tournament.

Possible starting lineup

Angola possible starting lineup:

Neblu; Gaspar, Mananga, Nanque, Bondo; Show, Fernando, Manuel; Milson, Caporal, Zini

Lesotho possible starting lineup:

Seahlolo; Matlabe, Makhele, Sefoli, Malane; Fothoane, Toloane, Matsau; Letsema, Matamane, Maile