Harambee Stars play against Equatorial Guinea on Friday evening at the Emir Complex in Antalya, Turkey.
Head Coach Benny McCarthy chose to integrate several new faces in the squad.
Aldrine Kibet of Celta Vigo Under 19, Kevin Otiende from Nairobi United, and Bryton Onyona of Gor Mahia were among the lucky first-timers.
McCarthy has made it clear that he intends to build a squad for the future, but first things first: the final FIFA International Window of 2025.
ALSO READ: Harambee Stars vs Equatorial Guinea: Kenya’s rebuild meets Nzalang Nacional AFCON prep
Here’s how we think he’s going to line up in the first friendly match against the Nzalang Nacional.
Harambee Stars vs Equatorial Guinea probable lineup
Goalkeeper – Byrne Omondi
Omondi has enjoyed a fine run of form in the 2025/26 Sportpesa League season.
He currently leads the Cleansheet chart with 5 cleansheets in his six matches. Omondi was McCarthy’s first-choice keeper at the CHAN Championship, extending to the World Cup Qualifiers, where he was replaced by Brian Bwire in only one match against Burundi.
Right Back – Rooney Onyango
Onyango has been the country’s starting pick on the right side of the defense. He missed the World Cup Qualifier match against Ivory Coast due to yellow card accumulation but will be available for selection. McCarthy is unlikely to start his understudy, Baron Ochieng’.
Left Back – Kevin Otiende
Otiende is in line for his national team debut. With Abud Omar and Eric Ouma, the go-to picks in the last decade, not part of the squad, the youngster has a chance to impress and make his mark.
He will most likely start over fellow debutant Bryton Onyona due to his experience in the CAF Confederation Cup with Nairobi United.
Central Defense – Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino
The duo started in four out of five of the matches Kenya played at the CHAN Tournament. Both have established themselves as the first-choice selection at club level, at Tunisian club Etoile Sportive Du Sahel and Gor Mahia, respectively.
Midfielders – Alpha Onyango, Teddy Akumu, Austin Odhiambo
Akumu marks a return to the team after missing out in the last two World Cup Qualifier outings.
The Nejmeh midfielder is projected to start in the defensive midfield role alongside Alpha as the central midfielder, with Austin Odhiambo occupying the attacking midfield role.
Right Wing – Ovella Ochieng’
The Nairobi United forward marks a return to the national team after a spell outside. He has since revitalized his form; the dead-ball specialist could be handed a starting berth in the absence of Adam Wilson Ayiro.
Left Wing – Shariff Musa
Musa is another returnee to the national team. The October Sportpesa League Player of the Month Nominee could be selected on the opposite wing due to his pace and recent goal-scoring exploits.
Centre Forward – Ryan Ogam
With Captain Michael Olunga rested, it’s an opportune moment for the Wolfsberger AC forward to stamp his authority as the lead striker of the national team.
Ogam has enjoyed massive success under Head Coach Benny McCarthy, including scoring the decisive goal in the 1-0 win over Burundi in the World Cup Qualifiers.
The two friendly matches will offer the Harambee Stars a perfect chance to assess the individual abilities of the squad members ahead of the important 2027 AFCON, where Kenya will be one of the hosts.
