Preview: What is at stake as Harambee Stars battle Senegal from 6pm

Harambee Stars assistant coach Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani believes Kenya has what it takes to stun Senegal in a highly anticipated FIFA international friendly set for Tuesday, November 18, at Turkey’s Mardan Stadium.

The match kicks off at 6 PM E.A.T, and despite Kenya being widely viewed as underdogs, Kimani says the team has the quality and belief to push for an upset against the West African giants.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Kimani described the friendly as a valuable test and an opportunity for both players and the technical bench to measure themselves against one of the best teams on the continent.

“We are very fortunate to play one of the big teams in Africa, and it’s going to be a great learning experience for both the technical bench and the players,” he said.

Kimani added that the team has been working to sharpen its attacking play—an area that proved costly in last week’s 1–0 loss to Equatorial Guinea.

“We have been working on the boys’ attacking prowess and practicing how we can score goals, as well as instilling the importance of composure when they get good opportunities in the final third," he explained. “I am certain that when we get such clear chances against Senegal, we are going to do better.”

Senegal, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, boast a star-studded squad featuring players who ply their trade in some of the world’s top leagues -including Sadio Mané, Edouard Mendy, Iliman Ndiaye, Idrissa Gueye, and Pape Sarr. Kenya, meanwhile, bring a blend of emerging talent and experienced campaigners.

The two teams last met in the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where Harambee Stars fell 3–0.

Both sides come into Tuesday’s match on the back of defeats - Kenya’s 1–0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on Friday, and Senegal’s 2–0 defeat to Brazil a day later.

While Senegal have already secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kenya are using these high-pressure fixtures to build a competitive squad for the future, particularly with an eye on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Tanzania-based midfielder Duke Abuya echoed Kimani’s optimism.

“Reviewing the previous game, we could have scored even one goal, but now we are focusing on the Senegal match, and I hope that whatever chance we create, we shall utilize -even if it’s just one,” he said.

“Senegal are like African champions, and we are going there as underdogs. It will be a great opportunity to share the same field with stars like Sadio Mané, and that gives us the confidence to compete at the highest level.”