Harambee Stars vs Equatorial Guinea Starting XI Confirmed

Harambee Stars have announced their starting lineup for this evening in Antalya, Turkey, for a friendly match against Africa Cup of Nations bound Equatorial Guinea,

 The match, kicking off at 6 pm at the Emirhan Sports Center, serves as a crucial measuring stick for a Kenyan side in transition.

Kenya, currently rebuilding after the disappointment of missing both the 2026 Fifa World Cup and the 2025 Afcon, is utilizing this international window to its fullest. 

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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has signaled his intention to assess new talent and build depth as the nation looks ahead to co-hosting the 2027 tournament with Tanzania and Uganda.

The fixture arrives at a time when the Stars have struggled for consistency, managing just two wins in their last five outings (against Burundi and Seychelles). With several fresh faces brought into the camp and senior figures such as captain Michael Olunga notably missing, the match becomes an important examination of the squad's depth, character, and readiness to adopt McCarthy's philosophy.

Equatorial Guinea will not be an easy test. The Nzalang Nacional are on their own preparatory path, sharpening their squad for the upcoming 2025 Afcon in Morocco. 

Their established experience and known physicality will present a stern challenge for Kenya’s newcomers, who will need to adapt quickly to the international pace.

In the absence of captain Olunga, coach McCarthy has put his faith in a revamped squad, handing starting berths to players eager to impress. 

Byrne Omondi gets the nod in goal, protected by a back four of Ronney Onyango, Michael Kibwage, Sylvester Owino, and Kevin Otiende.

The creative and defensive duties in the midfield fall to the trio of Duke Abuya, Marvin Nabwire, and William Lenkupae. Abuya’s experience will be vital in controlling the tempo, while Nabwire and Lenkupae are expected to provide the energy and legs in the engine room. 

The trio will be tasked with supplying the forward line of Jonah Ayunga, Ryan Ogam, and Boniface Muchiri, who are all keen to impress and stake their claim for regular spots. This new-look attack, missing its talisman, carries the hopes of a nation eager to see the next generation of talent emerge.

The substitutes' bench also reflects this focus on building depth, with Bwire, Omondi, Bryton, Omija, Baron, Alpha Akumu, Austine, Sharif, Kibet, Ovella, and Lawrence all providing options for the coach to change the game's dynamic.

Byrne Omondi, Ronney Onyango, Michael Kibwage, Sylvester Owino, Kevin Otiende, Duke Abuya, Marvin Nabwire, William Lenkupae, Jonah Ayunga, Ryan Ogam, Boniface Muchiri

Subs: Bwire, Omondi, Bryton, Omija, Baron, Alpha Akumu, Austine, Sharif, Kibet, Ovella Lawrence