In the fixture played at Lucas Moripe Stadium, in Pretoria, South Africa, Kenya under coach Benni McCarthy took an early lead courtesy of Frank Odhiambo before Lesotho levelled matters through Thabo Makhele in the second half.
McCarthy, who was returning to his home country for the first time since he was appointed Kenya coach, named a starting XI featuring youngsters and experienced players.
While Farouk Shikhalo started in goal, Sylvester Owino, Frank Odhiambo, Ronney Otieno and Stanley Omondi took over the defensive role while Richard Odada led the midfield alongside Clarke Oduor and Zech Obiero.
Simba SC of Tanzania midfielder Mohamed Bajaber returned to the starting XI for Kenya and played alongside Ben Stanley Omondi, while Lawrence Okoth started up front.
Harambee Stars got off to a flying start and should have grabbed the lead with only six minutes played. Stanley Omondi’s rising effort was saved by Lesotho custodian Leliima Mofoka.
Odhiambo put Kenya ahead
However, it was Kenya who took the lead when Odhiambo found the back of the net from a superb move. The goal rejuvenated Kenya, who continued to look for the second, but Odhiambo missed an open sitter.
Four minutes after Kenya had taken the lead, Lesotho almost levelled matters when Motebang Sera combined with Tumelo Makha, but the latter wasted the opportunity after his feeble effort was saved by Shikhalo.
Kenya’s Odada became the second player to be booked after Lesotho’s Motebang, who had been cautioned in the 12th minute. Likuena were forced into a first-half substitution when Morena Moloi was replaced by Tsepo Toloane.
Harambee Stars continued to dominate with McCarthy shouting from the touchline, but their forwards were not able to take their chances. The first half ended with Kenya leading 1-0.
Makhele saviour for Lesotho
At the start of the second period, McCarthy made three changes – Odada, Obiero, and Oduor were withdrawn for William Wilson, Austin Odhiambo, and Chrispine Erambo.
For Lesotho, their second substitution came when Mohlomi Makhethe, who had been booked in the first half, came in for Tumelo Makha. Lesotho continued to dominate Kenya, and their persistence presure paid off when Makhele found the back of the net.
Both teams used the friendly to prepare themselves for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. Harambee Stars have been drawn in Group D of the qualifiers alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea.
Kenya, as one of the co-host nations of the tournament, have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 edition.
Despite the automatic qualification, Harambee Stars will still participate in the qualification campaign alongside the other nations in Group D.
Among the teams in the group, South Africa are the highest-ranked side at 60th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, while Guinea are ranked 80th. Kenya are currently ranked 111th, with Eritrea placed 184th.
The two teams will meet again in another friendly on Sunday.
