Harambee Stars call-ups and preparations take center stage this month as Aldrine Kibet earns a maiden senior nod and Benni McCarthy reshapes Kenya’s squad for two friendlies in Antalya, Turkey, with Madagascar and Comoros awaiting. The fresh faces arrive as captain Michael Olunga misses out, a notable omission that underscores a growing focus on youth and long-term planning.
Antalya assignment sets the tone
Kenya will face Madagascar on 14 November, then meet Comoros on 17 or 18 November, both games in Antalya. The Football Kenya Federation confirmed the fixtures within the FIFA window, giving McCarthy a timely platform to test combinations after Kenya missed out on AFCON 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Comoros arrive with competitive edge, they have qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco and will use the Kenya clash as a tune-up. Their group features Morocco, 2013 champions Zambia and Mali, with opening day against Morocco on 21 December, Zambia five days later, and Mali to close the group.
Benni McCarthy’s blueprint comes into focus
McCarthy has been explicit about the direction. He wants intensity, purpose and clarity from his young charges, a blend that mirrors a high-pressing, possession-minded approach alongside discipline and decision-making. The friendlies in Turkey are framed as part of a long-term project to build a team capable of competing with Africa’s best.
“I want to see hunger, speed and intelligence,” he said when discussing his selection of Aldrine Kibet, praising the teenager’s creativity and maturity and stressing that these games are about preparing for future tournaments, not just filling a November window.
Aldrine Kibet’s rise meets its next chapter
Kibet’s call-up has been met with palpable excitement, both at home and in Spain. The 19-year-old midfielder, now with Celta Vigo B after rising through St Anthony’s Boys Kitale and starring for Kenya’s U18 and U20 teams, has been earmarked as part of the next generation. He impressed at the CECAFA U18 Championships and played a role in U20 AFCON qualification, a progression that has accelerated his path to the senior setup.
Celta Vigo added a warm nod from afar, with the club congratulating him on social media and calling it a proud moment for their man. The trajectory is unmistakable, from a youngster nicknamed the Kenyan Messi by admirers, to a player whose club and country now view him as a bona fide prospect for the years ahead.
Returns that matter and a notable absence
There are experienced returns to the fold that add muscle to the squad. Ovella Ochieng, fresh from helping Nairobi United reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, is back, as is Scotland-based forward Jonah Ayunga. Zamalek defender Baron Ochieng is also in after a strong run of form in Egypt, reinforcing a back line that is still finding its long-term hierarchy.
The biggest talking point is Michael Olunga’s omission. The Al Arabi striker, one goal shy of becoming Kenya’s all-time top scorer, accepted the decision with characteristic calm, noting that the coach is integrating young players during this transition phase. Olunga said he respects the selection and will be ready when called, a message that dovetails with McCarthy’s need to assess new options before 2027.
Full Harambee Stars squad for Turkey
Goalkeepers
- Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, Brian Opondo.
Defenders
- Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Manzur Suleiman, Baron Ochieng.
Midfielders
- Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Marvin Nabwire.
Attackers
- Austine Odhiambo, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri, Adam Wilson, Aldrine Kibet, Ovellah Ochieng, Jonah Ayunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth.
What the fixtures mean for Kenya and Comoros
For Kenya, Antalya offers a laboratory to stress-test chemistry and roles ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host with neighbors Uganda and Tanzania. The emphasis is on developing understanding between a budding creative core and a defense that must become more resolute.
For Comoros, the Kenya friendly is a key step toward AFCON 2025. The Coelacanths will want rhythm and sharpness ahead of group games against Morocco, Zambia and Mali, and they will also face Yemen in the FIFA Arab Cup window.
| CASINO | BONUS | INFO | RATING | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
bonus
Welcome Bonus Package – Up to 225% + 100 FS
See 4 Bonuses
|
info
Large welcome bonus, crypto-friendly, huge provider list. No. 1668/JAZ |
|
||
|
bonus
Welcome bonus
See 4 Bonuses
|
info
High RTP of 97%, crypto-ready payments, top providers ALSI-202410011-FI1 |
|
||
|
bonus
1st deposit bonus
See 11 Bonuses
|
info
20+ crash & instant games, Aviator bonuses BK 0000704 |
|
||
|
bonus
Free Spins Frenzy
See 4 Bonuses
|
info
OGL/2024/137/0132 secure platform with top casino games & bonuses. |
|
McCarthy on Kibet and the larger project
McCarthy describes Kibet as creative and disciplined, a young midfielder who plays with purpose and has shown maturity beyond his years. The selection, he stressed, fits into a broader vision to introduce youth into the senior team and establish a platform that endures beyond a single international break.
“He’s creative, disciplined and plays with purpose. He deserves this chance. These games are part of our long-term project, we are building a team capable of competing with the continent’s best.”
That philosophy has been visible in his squad balance. There is an experienced spine in areas like midfield with Duke Abuya and in goal with Byrne Omondi, but the influx of young talent is deliberate. McCarthy’s lens is firmly on growth, both collective and individual, over the next cycles.
The human heartbeat of a rebuild
Marvin Nabwire’s inclusion speaks to the human story behind the names on a call-up sheet. The Kenya Police FC midfielder reflected on a journey from early skepticism to national team recognition, recalling how some fans once doubted him only to later applaud his rise.
“People used to laugh when I said I’d play for Harambee Stars,” he said, adding that patience and faith powered his path. Now he steps into camp as a symbol of resilience, evidence that McCarthy’s merit-based approach can elevate those who persist and perform.
Learning from recent scars
Kenya’s last outing brought a harsh lesson, a 3-0 defeat to Ivory Coast capped by Amad Diallo’s late free kick after earlier goals from Franck Kessie and Yan Diomande. The reigning African champions sealed their World Cup return, while Kenya were left to confront shortcomings in both boxes.
That result frames the importance of Antalya. The Stars need improved defensive concentration and a sharper attacking edge, with the new-look front line given minutes to forge timing and trust.
Spotlight on roles and partnerships
Eyes will gravitate to Kibet’s positioning and influence between the lines, as well as the tempo-setting duties for Alpha Onyango and Timothy Ouma. The wide areas could be pivotal if Ovella Ochieng and Austine Odhiambo find space to run at markers and supply chances.
At the back, combinations around Michael Kibwage’s leadership will matter against opponents capable of countering quickly. Jonah Ayunga’s return up front adds physical presence, which could complement the creativity around him if service is consistent.
Celta Vigo’s nod and what it signals
Celta’s celebratory message for Kibet carried weight, especially given McCarthy’s past connection to the Spanish club in his playing days. While he clarified he had no role in arranging the move, his praise for the Vigo pathway was striking, citing how often young players graduate to the first team.
That alignment between club development and national ambition is timely. For Kenya, players maturing in competitive environments like Spain, Scotland and Egypt can accelerate the national team’s learning curve.
What to watch in camp
- Integration and intensity, how quickly the new faces align with the tactical expectations and tempo of training,
- Set pieces and defensive shape, can Kenya improve rest defense and dead-ball organization after recent lapses,
- Final-third cohesion, whether fresh combinations produce clearer chances against organized blocks.
Why the Olunga decision fits the moment
Olunga’s response offered clarity. He framed his absence as part of a transition period for friendlies, a chance for McCarthy to integrate new players while senior figures rest. The skipper remains confident and motivated, intent on returning to chase the all-time scoring mark for the Harambee Stars.
That perspective removes friction and sets a productive tone. Competition for places can sharpen standards, and a harmonious dressing room will only help Kenya as March friendlies and longer-term targets approach.
The bigger picture
These Antalya matches are a checkpoint, not a finish line. Kenya are searching for a defined identity, a reliable core and a pipeline that brings youth through effectively. The selection for Madagascar and Comoros hints at the blueprint, one that values potential, accountability and a renewed belief in what Kenyan football can be.
If Kibet’s debut encapsulates hope, then the returns of Ovella and Ayunga supply balance, and the measured handling of Olunga’s absence suggests a program thinking beyond the next ninety minutes. Antalya will not answer every question, but it can provide the first pages of a new chapter that Kenya have long wanted to write.
