Hugo Broos' side currently top the Group C standings with 13 points from six games; five clear of second-placed Rwanda and Benin in third.

Nigeria occupy fourth spot with seven points, while Leostho are a place and a point worse off in fifth with six points. Zimbabwe prop up the group with four points.

Despite the game being an away fixture for Bafana, the match will take place at the Free State Stadium due to the lack of a suitable venue in Lesotho.

The last time these two sides faced each other, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in March, Bafana ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams

But the result is in question as South Africa having fielded Teboho Mokoena, who was reportedly ineligible to play due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Broos has also had to deal with a few injuries, with Patrick Maswanganyi replaced by Orlando Pirates teammate Sipho Mbule, while Ime Okon'a spot was given to Thabo Moloisane.

Ahead of the clash, Broos said his side must be careful not to underestimate Lesotho.

“We are still strong enough to beat Lesotho, but again, we have to focus and we have to concentrate,” he said.

"We have to reach our level best, and we have to fight. Playing a good game of football is okay when we can do it, why shouldn’t we do it, but let’s start from the first game, from the first minute and fight for every second, for every square metre on the pitch and try to win that game.

"It would be a very good situation for us if we could win the game on Friday."

Lesotho boss Leslie Notsi has, meanwhile, stuck to his decision to omit players from Lioli FC from his squad for their World Cup qualifiers.

Lioli are reining Vodacom Premier League champions but their involvement in a Four-Nations Club Tournament in Namibia recently is said to have left their players fatigued.

Speaking after a slow start to their qualifiers, Notsi said on PublicEye: "My expectation is to see a very competitive team that works together. These matches are crucial for player development; it is where players find the experience they need to grow.

“We need to ensure we are preparing other players for the future, as some may not be available for extended periods due to age.”

World Cup qualifying preview: Lesotho v Bafana