FKF praised for FIFA window commitment as Harambee Stars face Equatorial Guinea

Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo, alias Rolls Royce, trains ahead of the clash with Equatorial Guinea. (Photo: FKF)

By Erick Kariuki
Friday, November 14, 2025

The match offers McCarthy a crucial opportunity to assess squad depth, chemistry and tactical balance after naming several debutants while leaving out senior figures, including captain Michael Olunga.

Kenya is seeking to build momentum and assess new talent when it takes on Africa Cup of Nations-bound Equatorial Guinea in a friendly match today, Friday, November 14, at the Emirhan Sports Centre in Antalya, Turkey. Kick-off is set for 6:00 pm.

The fixture is the first of two international friendlies lined up for Harambee Stars during the FIFA window, with a high-profile clash against Senegal scheduled for next Tuesday. The matches come as Kenya ramps up preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

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FKF’s National Teams Coordinator, Athanus Obala, has lauded the federation for its renewed commitment to honouring international windows, saying the consistency is key to strengthening the team ahead of the tournament.

“Operations are very good. Everybody is in camp, and the team is in good shape. I have to appreciate the Federation for arranging these matches because previously, we were not always able to honour international windows,” said Obala from Antalya.

He confirmed that all players, including foreign-based stars, have reported to camp and that head coach Benni McCarthy arrived on Wednesday evening.

Obala added that playing regular friendlies is vital in giving emerging talents the exposure needed to adapt to international football. “It is very good for the new players picked to get that experience,” he noted.

He also praised the training environment in Turkey. “We are being hosted in marvellous facilities here in Turkey, something that tells you how different things are in Europe. The facilities are just fantastic,” he remarked.

The match offers McCarthy a crucial opportunity to assess squad depth, chemistry and tactical balance after naming several debutants while leaving out senior figures, including captain Michael Olunga.

“This is a very important fixture for us. The coaches will have time to gauge the new players and assess the current squad. I foresee a very competitive national team in the future, where every player will have to prove their worth to wear the national colours,” Obala said.

Kenya heads into the clash with two wins from their last five matches, victories against Burundi and Seychelles. The rebuilding process continues as McCarthy shapes a side capable of competing strongly at AFCON 2027.

Equatorial Guinea, meanwhile, are preparing for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Despite qualifying, they arrive in Turkey on a three-match winless run and with recent off-field turmoil still looming over the team.

They were stripped of two FIFA World Cup qualifying wins for fielding an ineligible player and later forfeited a crucial match against Malawi after players and staff refused to travel, citing poor conditions and unpaid dues, resulting in a 3-0 loss.

Had the forfeited results stood, the National Thunder would have collected 20 points, enough to reach the knockout stage as one of the best second-placed teams.

The teams last met on May 28, 2018, when Kenya claimed a 1-0 victory courtesy of a 73rd-minute strike from Piston Mutamba. Gor Mahia defender Mike Kibwage is the only member of the current squad who featured in that match.

For Kenya, today’s friendly offers a platform for new players to stake their claim and an early chance for McCarthy to implement his philosophy. It, on the other hand, provides Equatorial Guinea a timely test before the 2025 AFCON and an opportunity to turn the page after months of instability.