Mohammed Bajaber and Lawrence Okoth each bagged a brace to propel Harambee Stars to a 4-0 International friendly victory over Lesotho on Sunday evening at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
This was the second clash between these two sides during the June friendlies, and after Lesotho had fought to a 1-1 draw at the same venue on Thursday, Kenya needed to make amends for their earlier slip-ups.
And they did just that, thanks to Bajaber’s clinical double across both halves and a late brace from the impressive Lawrence Okoth, whose sharp finishing sealed an emphatic win and ensured Kenya wrapped up the friendly series on a high note.
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With the matches serving as part of the team’s preparations and assessment ahead of upcoming international assignments, Benni McCarthy rotated his squad significantly, making seven changes from the side that featured on Thursday.
The reshuffle handed debut starts to Deonysus Woodman and Micah Obiero.The team responded impressively.
Kenya’s opener originated down the right wing, where William Lenkupae threaded a pass to Micah Obiero, who did well to carry the ball into the box. Bajaber, well-positioned on the left side, calmly applied the finishing touch to break the deadlock.
“The difference is we asked for a lot more discipline tactically. We asked the players to be a little bit more clinical in the final third. We created chances in the previous game, but we were very wasteful and wayward,” Harambee Stars assistant coach Vasili Manousakis said when reflecting on the difference between the two matches.
So it started with being more ruthless with the opportunities that we created. But even before then, in the first phase of the build-up, we got the rotations right and our positioning was much better.
Still, we didn’t quite reach the intensity levels we wanted, but we had certain expectations and I think the players came close enough today in delivering the performance.”
Kenya’s second goal was also beautifully constructed. Richard Odada picked out Austine Odhiambo inside the box, and the midfielder unselfishly squared the ball to Bajaber, who made no mistake, coolly slotting home with his right foot.
The third goal stemmed from an exquisite first-time pass by the lively Sydney Agina, who came off the bench and released Okoth.
The forward confidently fired home Kenya’s third of the afternoon. Bajaber then turned provider for the fourth goal, setting up Okoth once again as he completed his brace and sealed a convincing victory for Harambee Stars.
Kenya vs Lesotho Second Friendly Match – Sunday, June 7, 2026
- Harambee Stars: Brian Okoth, Deonysus Woodman, Rooney Onyango, Alphonce Omija, Stanley Wilson, Richard Odada, Kelly Madada, Mohammed Bajaber, Austine Odhiambo, William Lenkupae, Micah Obiero.
- Likuena: Sekhoane Moerane, Koketso Kharejane, Thabo Makhele, Mohlomi Makhetha, Thato Maftle, Tsepo Toloane, Neo Mokhachane, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Motebang Sera, Tholang Makuru.