Kenya vs Senegal: Preview, Team News, Time and Where to Watch as Harambee Stars Take on Lions of Teranga

Kenya's Harambee Stars will be taking on Senegal's Lions of Teranga for the first time since the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

Harambee Stars are set to embark on a crucial phase of their national team development as they face a formidable assignment against the Lions of Teranga, Senegal,  in an international friendly match at Mardan Stadium, Turkey.

Scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM EAT, this fixture at the Emir Complex Stadium in Antalya, Turkey, marks the chance for Kenya to lick their wounds from their loss to Equatorial Guinea last Friday, as they were punished for failing to capitalise on the numerous chances they created.

For Harambee Stars, this fixture represents a vital component of head coach Benni McCarthy’s long-term rebuilding strategy, specifically targeting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

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The match pits a side focused on immediate tournament preparation against a nation dedicated to cultivating its next generation of international stars.

Kenya vs Senegal: Team News

Kenya will be taking on Senegal without the presence of Job Ochieng, who opted to remain with his club set up after picking up a niggle, as Pulse Sports reported.

With Benni McCarthy intentionally deciding to leave out Collins Sichenje and Captain Michael Olunga, this will be a fantastic opportunity for some of the new players to continue showing what they can do. 

Meanwhile, players like Aldrine Kibet, Byrne Omondi, Duke Abuya, Ryan Ogam and Jonah Ayunga will likely have a point to prove during the game, with McCarthy trying and testing out who he can trust and who he cannot.

Meanwhile, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw named a full-strength side as he continues preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournaments, which are scheduled to take place within the next seven months.

Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Pape Matar Sarr and Ismaila Sarr are some of the key names included, and all will be heavily relied on to try and get a positive result following their loss to Brazil in England last Saturday..

Head to Head Record

Senegal are expected to approach the match with their trademark high energy and technical sharpness, aiming to dominate possession with more than 60% of the ball.

Their game plan will likely revolve around exploiting the flanks and center through the pace and creativity of Ismaïla Sarr and Sadio Mané, supported by a strong midfield unit tasked with feeding the attacking line. 

With the fixture serving as preparation for upcoming competitive engagements, squad rotation is also expected as the coaching staff assesses depth and versatility across positions.

Kenya, on the other hand, are set to adopt a more defensive and pragmatic approach. A compact low block will be key to limiting the influence of Senegal’s elite attackers, an approach they adopted against Equatorial Guinea and created several chances from transitional situations. 

Kenya vs Senegal: Tactical Preview

Offensively, Kenya will rely on rapid counter-attacks, with Jonah Ayunga a focal point upon which wingers like Ovella Ochieng and Boniface Muchiri will run in behind.

Kenya vs Equatorial Guinea: Time and Where to Watch

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, with a kick-off time of 6:00 PM EAT. It will be played at the Emir Complex Stadium in Antalya, Turkey.

Fans in Kenya who wish to follow Harambee Stars can catch the action live on the Fanzone TV YouTube Channel.