Kenya Squad News: Olunga Left Out for Madagascar and Comoros Matches

Benni McCarthy drops star striker for friendlies

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy shocks fans by dropping star striker Michael Olunga for upcoming friendlies against Madagascar and Comoros.

Coach Benni McCarthy has called up young talents Aldrine Kibet and Baron Ochieng for the upcoming friendlies...

Kenya's head coach, Benni McCarthy, has surprisingly left out star striker Michael Olunga from the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming friendlies against Madagascar and Comoros.

The two matches are scheduled for November 14 and 18 in Antalya, Turkey. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the fixtures, but the reason behind Olunga's omission remains unclear.

The upcoming friendlies against Madagascar and Comoros will serve as crucial preparation for the Harambee Stars, coming just a month after their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Kenya's final matches in the qualifiers saw them defeat Burundi 1-0 away, but they were outclassed 3-0 by Ivory Coast.

Despite the win over Burundi, Kenya ultimately fell short of World Cup qualification, finishing fourth in Group F with 12 points from 10 matches. The team's record consisted of three wins, three draws, and four losses, highlighting areas for improvement as they look to regroup and build momentum for future competitions.

Ivory Coast secured automatic qualification for the World Cup by topping their group with 26 points. Meanwhile, Gabon will face Nigeria in a two-legged playoff to determine the final qualifier for the tournament, which will be hosted by 16 cities across three North American countries.

Harambee Stars Squad News

Aldrine Kibet receives her first senior team call-up as Kenya names squad for Madagascar and Comoros friendlies, while captain Michael Olunga is notably absent.

#HarambeeStars will play two international friendlies in Antalya, Turkey during the November FIFA window

🗓 Nov 14 – Kenya 🆚 Madagascar
🗓 Nov 17/18 (TBC) – Kenya 🆚 Comoros pic.twitter.com/nSjKrHrEtr

— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 28, 2025

Coach Benni McCarthy has called up young talents Aldrine Kibet and Baron Ochieng for the upcoming friendlies. Kibet's inclusion is a result of his impressive performances at club level and with the youth national teams, while Ochieng's talent and potential have earned him a spot in the squad.

Ovella Ochieng makes a notable return to the Harambee Stars squad after an extended absence. His pace and attacking flair will be valuable assets for the team in their upcoming matches against Madagascar and Comoros.

Final squad for Turkey trip

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC).

Defenders: Vincent Harper (Walsall), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Etoile Du Sahel), Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Sogndal), Manzur Suleiman (Nairobi United), Baron Ochieng (Zamalek).

Midfielders: Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznań), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), and Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia).

Strikers: William Lenkupae (VPS), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo), Ovellah Ochieng (Nairobi United), Jonah Ayunga (ST Mirren), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki).