Celta Vigo’s Aldrine Kibet earns first Harambee Stars call-up for Turkey friendlies
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 28, 2025The national football team, Harambee Stars, will play two international friendly matches in Antalya, Turkey, during next month’s FIFA window between November 10 and 18, 2025.
According to an official statement from FKF on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Kenya will open their tour against Madagascar on November 14 before taking on Comoros four days later on November 17 or 18, with the exact date to be confirmed.
Head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final squad for the fixtures, featuring a mix of young prospects and returning experienced players. The most notable inclusion is teenage midfielder Aldrine Kibet, who earns his first senior national team call-up.
The Celta Vigo youngster has impressed with his creativity and composure both at club level and in Kenya’s youth national sides.
Also joining the squad is Baron Ochieng of Zamalek, another promising player who has continued to make progress in his club career. McCarthy has also recalled Ovella Ochieng, whose return after a long absence adds pace and directness to the team’s attack.
Balanced squad for Turkey friendlies
In goal, McCarthy has named Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), and Brian Opondo (Tusker FC).
The defence includes Vincent Harper (Walsall), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Etoile Du Sahel), Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Sogndal), Manzur Suleiman (Nairobi United), and Baron Ochieng (Zamalek).
In midfield, Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznan), and Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC) will provide balance and control.
The attack features several options, including Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), William Lenkupae (VPS), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo), Ovella Ochieng (Nairobi United), Jonah Ayunga (St Mirren), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), and Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki).
The two matches will give McCarthy a chance to assess his players’ readiness ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures, including World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.