Ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Kenya assistant coach Vasili Manousakis has praised the national team’s performance after their 4-0 friendly win over Lesotho on Sunday.

The Harambee Stars produced an improved display in the second friendly at Lucas Moripe Stadium in South Africa, with midfielder Mohammed Bajaber scoring twice and second-half substitute Lawrence Ouma also netting a brace to secure a comfortable victory.

The result marked a clear improvement on the previous meeting between the sides at the same venue, where Kenya squandered a 1-0 half-time lead and were held to a 1-1 draw against Likuena.

Head coach Benni McCarthy used the friendly fixtures to assess several new players, with Ouma standing out after scoring three goals across the two matches, having also netted the only goal in the first encounter.

Speaking after the June international window, Manousakis said Kenya had successfully achieved their objectives against a physically strong and energetic Lesotho side.

“The first notable difference was that we were more disciplined. Tactically, we asked for a more clinical performance in the final third. In the previous game we created chances but were wasteful,” he told Flashscore.

“In this match, we were more efficient with our chances. Even before that, our rotation and positioning were better, although the intensity was not quite where we wanted it to be.

“But overall, the players were close to delivering the performance we expected. We must also consider that many of them were playing together for the first time, which was part of the objective.”

Vasili Manousakis said Kenya were satisfied with their objectives after facing a physically strong and energetic Lesotho side in their recent friendly, adding that the team now shifts focus towards preparing for the September AFCON qualifiers.

“You know, playing against a very restructured Lesotho, physical, full of energy, they gave us a lot of tests, and I think we achieved what we wanted to. Now we go back and start thinking of how to prepare for September qualifiers,” he said.

Manousakis explained that the match was not only about winning, but also about integrating a new group of players and giving them valuable international experience.

“It was a kind of a game we wanted to win, but also have a look at this new crop of players, so many making their debuts for the first time, a lot of young boys out there,” he said.

“We wanted to let them have the experience of international football, being together in the national team, camping together, and for some of them travelling long distances. It was always good to finish with a victory.”

He added that the coaching staff now have a clearer picture of the squad as they build towards the upcoming qualifiers.

“The picture has now started to become clearer as we all start to come together, and it gives the coach something to think about ahead of September’s games.”

Kenya have been drawn in Group D of the PAMOJA 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea.

The group promises a competitive campaign as teams begin their qualification journey for the continental tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Although Kenya are one of the co-hosts and already assured of a place at the 2027 finals, they will still participate in the qualifiers alongside their Group D opponents.

A total of 48 nations will compete in the qualification phase, with 24 teams advancing to the final tournament.

The 2027 AFCON will run from June 19 to July 17, marking the return of Africa’s premier football competition to the East African region.

It will also be the first edition hosted by three countries, and the first in five decades to take place in the CECAFA region since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.