Harambee Stars secure friendly to make it 3 matches in 9 days

The Kenya senior men's national football team will face Rwanda in an international friendly on Monday, 5 October, adding a third assignment to Harambee Stars’ schedule during the current FIFA international window.

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The friendly follows Kenya’s two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches, with Benni McCarthy’s side set to host Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, 26 September, before travelling to face Guinea on Thursday, 1 October.

The Rwanda friendly will give McCarthy another chance to assess his squad as he continues preparations for the AFCON campaign, with the match set to be played at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

Rwanda will also have two AFCON qualifiers before meeting Kenya. The Amavubi will host Liberia in Kigali on Friday, 25 September, before travelling to face 2026 FIFA World Cup debutants Cape Verde.

The clash against Kenya will then serve as their final assignment of the three-week FIFA international window.

Harambee Stars reported to camp on Tuesday morning and have begun preparations for the busy schedule. McCarthy will have a few days to work with his players before Saturday’s home qualifier against Eritrea, after which the team will turn its attention to the trip to Guinea and later the Rwanda friendly.

The squad includes the return of Hannif Wesonga and Vincent Harper, while Amos Wanjala has earned a call-up. Gor Mahia forward Shariff Musa has also been included following his impressive pre-season form.

Young winger Javan Ochieng has received a call-up as he looks to make his senior international debut, while captain Michael Olunga returns to the squad after recovering from injury.

Kenya squad

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Faruk Shikhalo (Nairobi United), Brian Bwire (Tusker).

Defenders: Michael Kibagwe (Gor Mahia), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Hannif Wesonga (Jamus), Stanley Wilson (AIK), Abud Omar (Tusker), Amos Wanjala (Valencia), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Vincent Harper (Exeter City).

Midfielders: Manzur Okwaro (Stade Reims), Timothy Ouma (Charlton Athletic), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Duke Abuya (Young Africans), Marvin Nabwire (Power Dynamos).

Forwards: Sharif Musa (Gor Mahia), Mohammed Bajaber (unattached), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Javan Ochieng (Hickory FC), Micah Obiero (Carlisle United), Ryan Ogam (RFC Liège), Michael Olunga (Al-Arabi).

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