Harambee Stars produced an impressive performance to defeat Lesotho 4-0 in an international friendly match played in Pretoria, South Africa, handing head coach Benni McCarthy his first victory since taking charge of the national team.
The win came three days after Kenya was held to a 1-1 draw by the same opponents in the first match of the two-game friendly series. The result provided a significant boost for the national team as preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continue. Kenya started the match brightly and looked determined to improve on their performance from the first encounter. The Harambee Stars controlled possession and created several scoring opportunities as they pressed forward in search of an early goal.
Their efforts were rewarded when Mohammed Bajaber opened the scoring, giving Kenya a deserved lead. The goal increased the team’s confidence and allowed them to dictate the pace of the game against a Lesotho side that struggled to contain Kenya’s attacking movement. The Harambee Stars continued to dominate proceedings and added to their advantage before halftime, putting themselves in a commanding position. Kenya’s midfield worked effectively to control the game while the defence remained solid whenever Lesotho attempted to threaten.
After the break, McCarthy’s men maintained their intensity and continued to create chances. Lawrence Okoth was among the standout performers as Kenya extended their lead and effectively ended any hopes of a Lesotho comeback. The convincing victory marked an important milestone for McCarthy, who has repeatedly emphasized the need to build a competitive squad capable of challenging stronger opponents ahead of AFCON 2027, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The South African coach used the friendly matches to assess a number of players and experiment with tactical approaches. Several members of the squad delivered encouraging performances, giving the technical bench valuable options for future assignments. Beyond the result, the match demonstrated the progress Kenya is making under the new coaching setup. The team’s attacking display, defensive discipline and overall organization provided positive signs as preparations for upcoming competitions continue.
The victory will boost confidence within the squad as the national team continues its preparations for future continental assignments. It also gives supporters optimism that the Harambee Stars are moving in the right direction under McCarthy’s leadership.
