Lesotho’s senior national team, Likuena, fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Kenya’s Harambee Stars in the first of two international friendlies at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Gauteng, South Africa, on Thursday.
The match formed part of both teams’ preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers. It gave coaches Bob Atang Mafoso and Benni McCarthy a valuable chance to test their squads against competitive opposition.
Kenya took the lead through Frank Odhiambo, but Likuena responded with an equaliser from Thabo Makhele in an entertaining contest.
The game also marked a proud milestone for young goalkeeper Leluma Mofoka, who made his senior debut for Likuena and delivered a composed performance between the posts.
The two sides will meet again in the second leg on Sunday, 7 June, at the same venue.
Tough preparations for AFCON qualifiers
The friendlies come at a crucial time for Likuena as they prepare for a difficult Group A in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, alongside World Cup-bound Morocco, Gabon and Niger.Mafoso’s men intensified training this week ahead of the Kenyan double-header. Speaking before the team’s departure to South Africa, the coach acknowledged the higher-than-expected challenge.
“The challenge ahead is stronger than what we had initially prepared for,” Mafoso said. “However, these matches will provide our players with an opportunity to test themselves at a higher level and help the team continue growing and adapting.”
Thursday’s encounter was only Mafoso’s third official match in charge. The former African Stars coach took over the national team with a strong reputation from his successful spell in Namibia.
Tactical battle of young coaches
On the opposite side stood Benni McCarthy, one of South Africa’s football legends and a former strikers’ coach at Manchester United. The clash pitted two of COSAFA’s youngest national team coaches against each other in an intriguing tactical battle.
Despite the draw, both teams will be eager to claim bragging rights in Sunday’s decisive second leg.
For Likuena, the focus remains on building momentum, correcting mistakes and laying a solid foundation ahead of the demanding AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign later this year.
Summary
- Lesotho’s senior national team, Likuena, fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Kenya’s Harambee Stars in the first of two international friendlies at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Gauteng, South Africa, on Thursday.
- The two sides will meet again in the second leg on Sunday, 7 June, at the same venue.
- The friendlies come at a crucial time for Likuena as they prepare for a difficult Group A in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, alongside World Cup-bound Morocco, Gabon and Niger.
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