News Focus
- Harambee Stars forced to settle for 1-1 draw against Lesotho in Pretoria friendly
- Frank Odhiambo gave Kenya early lead before Thabo Makhele levelled in second half
- Debutant goalkeeper Caleb Kramer conceded equaliser moments after replacing Faruk Shikhalo
- Coach Benni McCarthy blames substitution timing and youthful squad for dropped points
- Sides face rematch on Sunday evening as preparations continue for 2025 AFCON
Benni McCarthy has said that inexperience was the main reason Kenya could only get a 1-1 draw against Lesotho in their international friendly in Pretoria. The South African coach explained that bringing on new goalkeeper Caleb Kramer just before Lesotho’s important free-kick in the 70th minute was a mistake.
McCarthy said that officials showed the substitution board while the game was stopped, but he wanted to wait until after the free-kick. Lesotho took the kick while the Dutch-born keeper was still getting ready. The ball bounced back from the first save, and Thabo Makhele scored to cancel out Frank Odhiambo’s goal in the 12th minute.
It was a difficult start for Kramer, who had just replaced Faruk Shikhalo in goal. The goal came after several changes to the Harambee Stars team that broke their rhythm.
Even though Kenya had more of the ball for long periods, the young team could not find the final pass to score again. McCarthy said he was unhappy with the result, but he understands the problems of using many new players.
‘The team needed this match to get going,’ McCarthy said. ‘We have many new players coming in for the first time. I am not happy with the draw, but this is football. We are working with young, inexperienced players who are learning at this level.’
The two teams will meet again on Sunday evening at the same Lucas Moripe Stadium. The former Manchester United forwards coach promised fans a better performance in the second game, saying he will use a different team.
‘We know each other now after this first game,’ McCarthy said. ‘Sunday’s match will have a completely different team, and I hope we can do better than we did today.’
These friendlies are the start of an important time for Kenyan football. The Harambee Stars are preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Kenya set to host the tournament together with Uganda and Tanzania next year.