Historic bow
Lesotho U-15 conclude inaugural FIFA World Cup campaign with valiant effort in Baku
MASERU – The Lesotho Under-15 national football team has returned home to a hero’s welcome after etching their names into the history books at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The young Likuena concluded their ground-breaking campaign with a respectable overall ranking, marking a significant milestone for the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) and the future of the sport in the country.
Following the conclusion of the tournament on Friday, the team was ranked 116th out of 189 participating countries overall. Among the 54 African nations that took part, Lesotho placed 27th, and they secured a highly commendable 7th place among the 14 COSAFA (Council of Southern Africa Football Associations) member nations present in Baku.
While the team bowed out with a 2-0 defeat to Syria in their final placement match, the historic campaign was defined by moments of immense promise, resilience, and thrilling attacking football.
Lesotho recorded memorable victories over Gabon (3-2) and Bahrain (2-1). They also showcased incredible mental fortitude in a nail-biting 3-3 draw against Tahiti, which they ultimately won 4-3 on penalties. These results provided the young squad with invaluable international experience against diverse styles of play from across the globe.
The historic occasion represents the culmination of decades of tireless work for LeFA, which was founded in 1932 and has been a FIFA member since 1964, yet had never previously seen a national team compete in a FIFA tournament.
“It will give them the opportunity to test themselves on the pitch against players of the same age from all over the world,” explained Sam Smith, the FIFA Talent Coach in Lesotho. “I hope they come back with a better understanding of themselves as footballers, their strengths and the areas where they can still improve.”
Smith, a 32-year-old from New Zealand who previously coached in Hungary and Spain, has been instrumental in preparing the team. The preparation for Baku was meticulous, with the squad adapting to the tournament’s modified 8v8 rules and focusing on replicating the high-speed rhythm expected on the world stage. Their schedule included tough friendly matches against regional neighbours South Africa and eSwatini.
However, Lesotho’s journey to the world stage began long before their departure for Azerbaijan. The nation was among the very first FIFA Member Associations to implement the FIFA Talent Development Scheme in 2023. Operating out of a residential academy, Smith and local coaches have delivered a full-time training program, focusing not just on pitch work, but on mobility, video analysis, and recovery.
The success in Baku is a testament to the relentless talent identification efforts across the nation. Lesotho’s unique geography – being the only nation in the world entirely above 1 000 meters above sea level – presents logistical challenges.
Yet, the LeFA has hosted talent identification events in villages, cities, and even on the sides of the country’s beautiful mountains, creating a pipeline of elite youth talent.
“The players have a real desire to improve and are very coachable,” Smith added. “Overall, I feel we have taken some important steps towards creating an elite youth development environment and enabling the players to train at a higher level.”
Beyond the tactical and technical growth, the tournament served a broader purpose for the young athletes.
“Beyond what happens on the pitch, I hope they gain a greater awareness of the opportunities and pathways football can offer them, while also using the experience to meet people from very different cultures,” Smith noted. “And, of course, I hope they come home with memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
The Lesotho delegation departed Baku on Saturday morning and landed at Moshoeshoe I International Airport on Sunday at 10h15.
For LeFA and the players, their first appearance at a FIFA competition is more than just a final ranking of 116th. It is a vital stepping stone in a long-term project.
The exposure gained in Baku will serve as a catalyst for the next generation of Basotho footballers, proving that with proper investment, Lesotho can compete on the global stage.
TEBOHO LEBESA