Mohammed Bajaber ©Courtesy
PLAYER RATINGS: Bajaber, debutants sparkle as Harambee Stars demolish lowly Lesotho
Reading Time: 1min | Sun. 07.06.26. | 18:53
The performance was a big improvement from Thursday's showing against the minnows, where Kenya labored to a 1-1 draw
Kenya men's national football team, Harambee Stars, redeemed themselves from their blunt showing on Thursday, to whack Lesotho 4-0 in their second friendly at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, South Africa on Sunday, 7 June.
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Top of the star performers for coach Benni McCarthy were the pair of Mohammed Bajaber and Lawrence Okoth, who all came away with two goals each, to give Kenya its first victory over The Crocodiles since Saturday, 24 April 1993.
In this piece, we rate how individual players fared in the comfortable outing:
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Bryne OdhiamboGoalkeeper
Could well have ordered for a deck chair, newspaper, and a drink. Had little to do on a comfortable afternoon.
Rating
7
Rooney OnyangoDefense
Deserves his flowers for a full-on job on both ends of the pitch. His push forward played a role in Kenya's first goal, as he sacrificed his body to lay off Micah Obiero, and also pressed hard in the lead-up to the second goal.
Rating
7
Alphonce OmijaDefense
Had a super outing in central defense. Was composed in build-up, but also flew around both ends of his area to cut out any danger. A goalkeeper's delight.
Rating
8
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Deon WoodmanDefense
How better could his full debut have looked? The lanky defender was eye-catching, and surely left the right impressions on McCarthy. Might have not been a tester, but the poise in his first outing was admirable.
Rating
8
Stanley WilsonMidfield
Will leave with a bit of work to do to make the left back position his own. Was victim to ceding possession with some risky passing, and just like the first game, was targeted with long balls and quick wingers to put him off.
Rating
5
Richard OdadaMidfield
He rarely gets praise, but was worth some this time. Had a strong showing in midfield, and did not only impact defensively, but was an engine going forward. His full press created the platform for Bajaber's second goal.
Rating
7
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Kelly MadadaMidfield
The clamour for him was answered with a start, but will be among the few wishing for a second crack under McCarthy. Like Stanley, he was guilty of overplaying in the middle, and was lucky to avoid a booking for a cynical foul immediately after losing possession. Was hooked off at halftime.
Rating
5
Mohammed BajaberAttack
The glimpses were there last Thursday that he was about to uncork. The Simba man well did that here, coming up with two goals, and a delightful assist for the fourth. His movement and timing all through the contest was silky as ever, and you can understand why the Lesotho players became frustrated with him later on. Surely man-of-the-match.
Rating
9
Austin OdhiamboAttack
Was easy not to notice his presence. Not that he had a bad game, but just went around it smoothly. Also teed up Bajaber for the second goal, despite being in a position to go for it himself.
Rating
7
William LenkupaeMidfield
A rare day when he gets some credit. Had one of those days when he left everything on the field. Hugged the touchline to great effect, and unfortunately had a goal disallowed for offside.
Rating
6
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Micah ObieroAttack
Got his full debut, and marked it with a super assist to Bajaber for the opener. His effort in chasing lost causes also gave Kenya a chance to entirely boss the contest, as his bursting run on goal invited goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane for a red-card challenge just outside the box.
Rating
7
Erick OumaDefense
Continued his steady route back to the regular squad with another second-half outing.
Rating
5
Clarke OduorMidfield
Also came in at the break, and save for a runs inside the box, was just decent.
Rating
5
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Lawrence OkothAttack
Two goals off the bench? Was super sharp infront of the box, days after missing the target on Thursday. His first goal was a solid strike into the roof of the net, with his second showing his poise and skill to cut in past a defender, before cooly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. He will be a handful in future.
Rating
8
Amos NondiDefense
Came on as the game wore on, and did not do any damages to his return to the national team.
Rating
4
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Sydney AginaDefense
National team debut and an assist to go with it? The Stoke City man had unforgettable minutes after coming on late, highlighted with that chipped, cheeky assist to Lawrence for Kenya's third goal. More minutes needed for him.
Rating
6
Caleb KramerGoalkeeper
Earned his confidence back after the punishment of the first game. Here, he was as clean as a whistle.
Rating
5
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Sammy-Henia KamauAttack
Gave a flash of nifty feet, but there was not enough time to make a full assessment of him. Another outing will make do.
Rating
4