Harambee Stars Set to Face Senegal in High-Profile Friendly in Turkey

The Senegal Football Federation has confirmed that the Teranga Lions will take on Kenya’s Harambee Stars in an international friendly match on November 18, 2025, at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey. Kick-off is set for 6 PM EAT (15:00 GMT).

This announcement comes just days after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) revealed plans for two friendly matches against Madagascar and Comoros, both scheduled to take place in Turkey. The Stars were initially set to face Madagascar on November 14 before meeting Comoros on November 17 or 18. However, the fixture adjustments indicate that one of the matches could be dropped to accommodate the high-profile encounter with Senegal.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Senegalese Football Federation said:

“Senegal will play a second friendly match this November 2025. It will take place on November 18 at 15:00 GMT against Kenya at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya (Turkey).”

Before the clash with Kenya, Senegal will face Brazil in another friendly on November 15 in London. Both matches form part of their preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December, where they have been drawn in Group C alongside Botswana, DR Congo, and Benin.

The upcoming fixture will mark the first meeting between Kenya and Senegal since the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where Senegal defeated Kenya 3-0 in a group-stage encounter before going on to reach the final, eventually losing to Algeria.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has already named his squad for the Turkish friendlies, as he looks to test his charges against top-tier opposition ahead of next year’s qualifiers.

Senegal come into the match with an impressive record in recent friendlies. In their last two FIFA windows, they played Guinea twice — winning once and drawing once — and also registered a memorable victory over England at Nottingham City Ground, handing the Three Lions their first ever loss to African opposition. They also drew 1-1 with Ireland, highlighting the high level of competition they consistently face.

Currently ranked 18th globally and 2nd in Africa, Senegal’s decision to play against Kenya, who sit 109th in the world and 26th in Africa, is a significant opportunity for the Harambee Stars. A positive result could not only boost the team’s confidence but also improve Kenya’s FIFA World Ranking, signaling progress in their rebuilding journey under McCarthy.