Harambee Stars will begin their international friendlies campaign with a challenging match against Equatorial Guinea at the Emir Complex Stadium in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday, November 14, 2025. This game, scheduled for a 6:00 PM EAT kick-off, marks the start of a crucial doubleheader for Kenya, which will also face Senegal shortly after.
The fixture is part of Kenya’s long-term development strategy under head coach Benni McCarthy, who is focused on preparing the team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. While Kenya’s squad for the match will feature a number of young, experimental players, there will be notable absences. Key senior players such as captain Michael Olunga and defender Collins Sichenje have been rested due to their club commitments. This decision has sparked debate, but McCarthy’s focus is on providing younger talents with valuable international experience.
Among the promising players expected to feature are Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo), Baron Ochieng (Zamalek), and Bryton Onyona of Gor Mahia, all of whom could make significant contributions in this match. Kenya’s approach will focus on development, with a strong emphasis on player growth ahead of the 2027 tournament.
Equatorial Guinea, ranked slightly higher than Kenya in FIFA rankings, will field a solid squad featuring experienced players such as Esteban Obiang, Saul Coco, and Pablo Ganet. The Nzalang Nacional has built a reputation for its disciplined and defensively resolute style of play. Despite being winless in their last three outings, they remain tactically sound and capable of frustrating higher-ranked teams. Equatorial Guinea’s counter-attacking approach could pose a tough challenge for Kenya’s youthful side.
In terms of tactics, Kenya will likely experiment with various formations, potentially starting with a 4-4-2 or a slight variation. Equatorial Guinea, known for their compact 4-2-3-1 setup, will rely on their solid defensive unit to contain the attacking threats from Kenya’s young players.
Overall, while Kenya’s experimental lineup means that results may not be the priority, the match will offer invaluable learning experiences. The game is expected to be tight, with defensive solidity dominating play. Kenya’s focus on development, coupled with the absence of key veterans, suggests that Equatorial Guinea’s experience will give them a slight edge, likely making it a low-scoring encounter.
