Harambee Stars bounced back in style on Sunday, crushing Lesotho 4-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium to hand head coach Benni McCarthy his biggest victory since taking the reins.

Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against the same opponents on Thursday, Kenya delivered a clinical response.

Braces from Simba SC winger Mohammed Bajaber and forward Lawrence Okoth capped off a dominant performance, ensuring the national team closed the June international window on a high.

The emphatic win silences critics who questioned the team’s resolve after Thursday’s slip-up, where a higher-ranked Kenya squandered an early lead.

McCarthy had promised squad rotations to assess his options, and his refreshed, energetic lineup vindicated the decision.

It took just seven minutes for Kenya to break the deadlock. Zech Obiero whipped in a dangerous cross from the right flank, and when the Lesotho backline failed to clear, an alert Bajaber tapped home from close range.

While the early goal settled the Stars, Lesotho gradually fought their way back into the contest.

However, Kenyan custodian Brian Bwire stood firm, making crucial first-half saves, including a sharp stop to deny Tlotliso Mapola from a free-kick right before the interval, to preserve the clean sheet.