Harambee Stars Slip to Narrow Defeat Against Equatorial Guinea in Antalya
NAIROBI, Kenya, November 14, 2025 – Harambee Stars were edged 1–0 by Equatorial Guinea in an international friendly held at the Emir Complex in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday evening. A first-half penalty from Jose Miranda ultimately proved the difference in a match where Kenya showed flashes of promise but lacked the finishing touch.
Kenya began the contest with head coach Benni McCarthy deploying a 4-4-2 setup, handing Nairobi United youngster Kevin Otiende his senior debut at left-back. Byrne Omondi took charge between the posts, protected by a back four of Rooney Onyango, Michael Kibwage, Sylvester Owino, and the debutant Otiende.
In midfield, Yanga SC’s Duke Abuya paired with Marvin Nabwire, while William Lenkupae and Boniface Muchiri operated on the flanks. Upfront, McCarthy partnered Ryan Ogam with Jonah Ayunga, hoping their combined movement would stretch the Equatorial Guinea defence.
Kenya carved out the first real opportunity of the game when Ayunga forced goalkeeper Jesus Lazaro Owono into a fine save midway through the opening half. But despite the promising start, the breakthrough came at the opposite end.
Just before the interval, a challenge by Rooney Onyango on the lively Jose Miranda inside the box was penalised, earning the defender a yellow card. Miranda sent Omondi the wrong way from the spot to give the Nzalang Nacional a 1–0 halftime advantage their first-ever goal, win, and clean sheet against Kenya in only their second meeting.
The Harambee Stars responded positively after the break. They dominated possession and pushed higher up the pitch, but their attacks lacked sharpness in the final third. Substitute Ovella Ochieng’ added pace down the right, and his cut-back struck a defender’s arm, but appeals for a penalty were dismissed by the referee.
In the 80th minute, Kenya came closest to equalising when Austine Odhiambo, one of McCarthy’s second-half introductions, fired over the bar from a well-worked move engineered by Rooney Onyango.
Late changes saw Shariff Musa and Alphonce Omija introduced as Kenya sought fresh legs for the final push. Still, Equatorial Guinea remained compact and organised, successfully frustrating Kenya’s efforts and preserving their narrow lead to the final whistle.
The loss leaves Harambee Stars with valuable lessons as they continue adjusting to McCarthy’s new tactical direction. Kenya will return to action on Tuesday, facing a sterner test against former African champions Senegal at the same venue as they wrap up their November international window.
