Harambee Stars Head Coach McCarthy has named his final squad for two upcoming international friendlies in Turkey, with the headline news being the inclusion of exciting young talent Aldrine Kibet for his first-ever senior national team call-up.
The creative midfielder, who currently plays for Celta Vigo in Spain, receives the prestigious nod following a string of impressive performances at his club and for the youth national teams. Kibet is joined in the squad by fellow promising youngsters, including Baron Ochieng of Zamalek.
Stars set for FIFA window action
Harambee Stars will utilise the FIFA international window, scheduled between November 10 and 18, 2025, to face two different opponents in Antalya, Turkey:
- Match 1: vs. Madagascar on November 14
- Match 2: vs. Comoros on November 17/18 (Date TBC)
These friendly matches are crucial for the national team’s continued preparation and build-up toward upcoming competitive assignments.
Noteworthy Returns and Key Players
The final selection sees the notable return of Ovella Ochieng, who re-joins the national fold after an extended absence. Ochieng, currently with Nairobi United, is expected to bring pace and attacking flair to the Stars’ forward line.
The squad is a blend of established professionals and emerging stars:
| Position | Key Players Included |
| Goalkeepers | Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City) |
| Defenders | Vincent Harper (Walsall), Baron Ochieng (Zamalek), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia) |
| Midfielders | Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznan) |
| Attackers | Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo), Ovellah Ochieng (Nairobi United), Jonah Ayunga (ST Mirren) |
The call-up for Aldrine Kibet underscores the technical bench’s commitment to integrating the next generation of Kenyan talent into the senior team structure. Football fans will be eager to see the young Celta Vigo star debut for the national side.
