Harambee Stars delivered a dominant performance to beat Lesotho 4-0 in their second international friendly at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday, handing head coach Benni McCarthy his biggest win since taking charge of the national team.
After a disappointing 1-1 draw against the same opponents on Thursday, Kenya responded strongly as Mohammed Bajaber and Lawrence Okoth each scored twice to wrap up a convincing win and close the June international window on a positive note.
The result also served as a strong response to criticism from the first meeting, where Kenya surrendered an early lead and struggled to assert themselves despite being the higher-ranked side.
McCarthy had signalled possible changes for the rematch as he continued to assess new players, and the refreshed Harambee Stars squad produced an energetic and clinical display from the first whistle.
Kenya made the perfect start, going ahead in the seventh minute through Bajaber. The Simba SC winger reacted quickest after Lesotho failed to clear a dangerous delivery from the right by Zech Obiero, tapping home from close range to give Kenya an early lead.
The goal settled Kenya, though Lesotho gradually grew into the game and began testing the defence. Goalkeeper Brian Bwire made several key interventions, first saving comfortably from a counterattack before denying Tlotliso Mapola from a free-kick just before halftime.
Despite the pressure, Kenya remained dangerous on the break and went into the interval leading 1-0.
McCarthy made changes after the restart, introducing Erick Ouma and Clarke Oduor, which added further energy and control to Kenya’s play. Six minutes into the second half, Bajaber struck again, finishing off a flowing move to double Kenya’s lead and put the match firmly in their control.
With the cushion in place, Kenya dominated possession and territory, pushing Lesotho deeper into their half.
McCarthy continued to rotate his squad midway through the second half, bringing on Lawrence Okoth, Sydney Agina, Sammy Henia Kamau, Amos Nondi and goalkeeper Caleb Kramer, giving several players a chance to impress.
One of the substitutes, Okoth, made an immediate impact. The former MOFA Academy forward opened his international account in the 83rd minute, latching onto a clever chipped pass before firing an unstoppable finish past the goalkeeper for Kenya’s third goal.
Four minutes later, he completed his brace in style. Bajaber turned provider with a superb trivela pass that released Okoth, who cut inside his marker and calmly finished to cap a memorable debut scoring performance.
The win highlighted the attacking potential McCarthy has been working to unlock since taking over, as well as the growing depth in the squad, with several debutants and fringe players taking their opportunity well. Bajaber’s two goals and two assists underlined his growing influence in the final third, while Okoth’s instant impact off the bench gave the coach another striking option ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures. Bwire’s saves also ensured Lesotho could not claw their way back, showing that Kenya’s defensive shape has improved since Thursday’s shaky outing.
