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Harambee Stars Confirm Rwanda Friendly in Busy FIFA Window

Kenya’s senior men’s team have crammed a third assignment into an already demanding FIFA international window, confirming an away friendly against Rwanda on Monday, 5 October.

Benni McCarthy’s side were already staring at two crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. First up is Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, 26 September. Then comes a tricky trip to face Guinea on Thursday, 1 October. Now, just days later, they will round off the window in Kigali, where they meet Rwanda at Amahoro Stadium.

For McCarthy, the extra game is not a burden. It’s an opportunity. Another 90 minutes to test combinations, gauge fitness and sharpen a squad that is being quietly reshaped for a long AFCON campaign.

Rwanda, too, will arrive battle-hardened. The Amavubi host Liberia in Kigali on Friday, 25 September, before heading out to face 2026 FIFA World Cup debutants Cape Verde. Their showdown with Kenya will be the final act of a three-week stretch that could define their momentum heading into the qualifiers.

Busy camp, big decisions

Harambee Stars reported to camp on Tuesday morning, fully aware of the schedule that awaits them. There is little time for easing in. McCarthy has only a few days to drill his ideas before Eritrea come to Nairobi, then the focus swings quickly to Guinea and on to the friendly in Kigali.

The squad list underlines both continuity and quiet evolution.

There is experience returning. Hannif Wesonga and Vincent Harper are back in the fold, giving the back line more depth and flexibility. Amos Wanjala has earned a call-up, a nod to his progress at Valencia and a sign that the door remains open for in-form performers abroad.

Up front, Gor Mahia forward Shariff Musa has been rewarded for his eye-catching pre-season form. His inclusion adds another option in attack at a time when competition for places is intensifying.

The most intriguing name? Young winger Javan Ochieng. The Hickory FC player has been drafted in as he chases a senior international debut, a bold selection that hints at McCarthy’s willingness to refresh the flanks with raw pace and direct running.

Then there is the captain. Michael Olunga returns after injury, a major boost for a side that leans heavily on his goals, leadership and presence. His comeback immediately changes the feel of the forward line and the expectations around Kenya’s attacking output.

Kenya squad in full

  • 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).

Three games, three different tests. By the time the final whistle blows in Kigali, everyone will know a little more about where this Kenya side is headed—and who is truly ready to carry them there.

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