Lesotho and Kenya played out a 1-1 draw in an international friendly match played at Lucas Moripe Stadium Pretoria, South Africa on Thursday Afternoon.
Kenya was quick off the mark, striking in the 12th minute through Gor Mahia defender Frank Odhiambo to give Harambee Stars a 1-0 lead. Benni McCarthy’s side bossed possession after that and looked to double their advantage, but Lesotho’s defense held firm.
Likuena coach Bob Mafoso made a tactical switch before halftime, replacing debutant Morena Moloi with experienced Ts’epo Toloane, but Kenya still took a 1-0 lead into the break. Moloi and Leluma Mofoka were making their debuts for Likuena with the young goalkeeper handed his first start ahead of captain Sekhoane Moerane..
Lesotho came out stronger in the second half and pushed for an equalizer. It arrived in the 69th minute when Thabo Makhele headed home into an empty net after Kenya failed to clear their lines from a Rethabile Mokokoane free kick.
Motebang Sera almost put Likuena ahead for the first time in the 78th minute, outpacing two Kenya defenders, but goalkeeper Kramer Caleb made the save. Both teams created late chances, with Lesotho debutant goalkeeper Leluma Mofoka pulling off several great saves on his first outing. The two countries will face off again at the same venue on Sunday.
The match forms part of both teams’ preparations for the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 Group Stage Qualifiers, which kick off in September.
