Bafana Bafana were forced to endure a  3-2 defeat to Lesotho in the first leg of their second-round African Nations Championship 2020 qualifier in Maseru on Sunday afternoon, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Goals from Tsepo Seturumane, Makara Ntaitsane and Lehlohonolo Fothoane handed Lesotho a victory over Bafana, who scored courtesy of Tecious Malepe and Luvuyo Phewa respectively.

Lesotho got off to a perfect start and broke the deadlock after just five minutes when Tsepo Seturumane slotted the ball past Bongani Mpandle.

South Africa continued to press forward as they looked for an equaliser, but were struggling to break down the Lesotho defence.

Bafana were forced into making a change after  39 minutes when Zama Rambuwane was forced off the field through injury and had to be replaced by Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

The visitors were then awarded a penalty just before the half time break. Captain Tercious Malepe stepped up and made no mistake from the spot-kick.

The game went into the half time interval locked at 1-1.

Bafana came out with intent in the second half and nearly took the lead but Athenkosi Dladla’s powerful free-kick narrowly missed the target.

Likuena were awarded a penalty of their own after Malepe adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Makara Ntaitsane then stepped up to make it 2-1 to Lesotho.

David Notoane responded by introducing Luvuyo Phewa, who made an immediate impact as he drew his side level after latching on to ball from Kamohelo Mahlatsi with five minutes left to play.

Lesotho continued to press forward in the closing stages and punished Bafana by grabbing a late goal through Lehlohonolo Fothoane to seal a 3-2 victory over South Africa.