Harambee Stars were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Lesotho after surrendering an early lead in an international friendly match played today at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
Kenya took the lead in the 12th minute through defender Frank Odhiambo, but Lesotho fought back in the second half and secured an equaliser through Thabo Makhele in the 70th minute to deny Benni McCarthy’s side victory. The match formed part of Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania. It also provided an opportunity for the Harambee Stars technical bench to assess several players as they continue building a competitive squad for future assignments.
Kenya made a bright start to the encounter and looked determined to impose themselves early in the game. Their positive approach paid off after 12 minutes when Odhiambo found the back of the net to give the Harambee Stars the advantage. The early goal boosted Kenya’s confidence as they controlled large spells of the first half. The team displayed composure in midfield and remained organized defensively, limiting Lesotho’s opportunities while maintaining their lead heading into the halftime break.
Head coach Benni McCarthy used the match to evaluate a youthful squad that included several players seeking to cement their places in the national team. The South African tactician has emphasized the importance of developing squad depth as Kenya prepares for upcoming continental competitions.
After the restart, Lesotho returned with greater intensity and began to put pressure on the Kenyan defence. The hosts created several attacking opportunities as they searched for a way back into the contest. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 70th minute when Thabo Makhele scored to level the match. The goal shifted momentum and ensured the two sides entered the final stages of the game on equal terms.
Both teams pushed for a winning goal after the equaliser, but neither side managed to create a decisive breakthrough before the final whistle. The result left Kenya with a draw despite leading for much of the encounter.
While the Harambee Stars will be disappointed not to have converted their early advantage into victory, the match provided valuable experience for a number of players. The friendly also allowed the technical bench to assess individual performances and test tactical approaches against international opposition.
The draw continues Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027, with McCarthy expected to use the lessons learned from the match to improve the team’s performance in future fixtures. The coach has repeatedly stressed the need for consistency and competitiveness as the national team seeks to establish itself among Africa’s top football nations. Kenya and Lesotho are scheduled to meet again in a second friendly match on June 7 in Pretoria. The encounter will give Harambee Stars another opportunity to fine-tune their preparations and address areas that require improvement following Thursday’s draw.
For Kenyan football supporters, the match offered encouraging signs from a developing squad, but also highlighted the importance of maintaining concentration and protecting leads against determined opposition.
