Kenya and Lesotho in Atteridgeville stalemate

Benni McCarthy’s Kenya and Lesotho played out a 1-1 draw on Thursday in the first of two international friendlies at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

The two countries will meet again on Sunday in a second match as they use the June international window as an opportunity to prepare for September’s kick off of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Kenya took a 14th minute lead through Frank Odhiambo but Lesotho equalised after the brerak from South African-born central defender Thabo Makhele of Siwelele.

The Basotho line-up also featured Venda FC striker Motebang Sera, formerly of Bloemfontein Celtic and Royal AM,

Kenya were drawn in the same Cup of Nations qualifying group as South Africa but automatically qualify for the finals, which they are co-hosting with Tanzania and Uganda in 12 months’ time.

Only one other team will go through to the finals from Group D where Bafana also take on Eritrea and Guinea.

Lesotho, who had to fight their way back to beat Seychelles in the preliminary round of qualifying in March, have been paired in Group A with Gabon, Morocco and Niger.