Aldrine Kibet Earns First Harambee Stars Call-Up as Benni McCarthy Revamps Squad for November Friendlies

Summary

• Aldrine Kibet atajoin squad ya Harambee Stars kwa mara ya kwanza hii November
• Team ya Harambee Stars itakuwa inacheza na Madagscar kwa friendlies
• Kibet anakuwanga midfielder wa Celta Vigo’s youth setup in Spain
• Wachezaji wengine amboa wamekuwa recalled to the team ni defender Baron Ochieng na forward Ovella Ochieng

Aldrine Kibet has been handed his first-ever call-up to the Harambee Stars squad as head coach Benni McCarthy announces his lineup for Kenya’s upcoming friendlies against Madagascar and Comoros, which will also see two players return to the national setup.

The talented midfielder, who has previously represented Kenya at the U18 and U20 levels, is set to make his senior debut after being named in McCarthy’s squad for the November international window. Kibet currently plays for Celta Vigo’s youth setup in Spain and has continued to shine since his breakout performance during the 2023 National School Games with St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale. His impressive journey saw him move to Nastic Soccer Academy before earning a place in the Rising Stars squad that featured in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kibet joins a list of new and returning faces in the team, including defender Baron Ochieng, who is back in the fold, and forward Ovella Ochieng, who has earned a recall following his strong performances at club level.

Other Players Named in the Harambee Stars Squad

Baron Ochieng, who was a key player during the U20 AFCON, recently completed a major move from Sofapaka to Egyptian giants Zamalek. Ovella Ochieng, meanwhile, has been in stellar form for Nairobi United, helping his side make history by qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.

Coach McCarthy has also maintained faith in his dependable core. The goalkeeping trio includes Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), and Brian Opondo (Tusker FC). In defense, the selected players are Vincent Harper (Walsall), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Etoile du Sahel), Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Sogndal), Manzur Suleiman (Nairobi United), and Baron Ochieng.

The midfield lineup features Aldrine Kibet, Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznan), and Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC). The attack will be led by William Lenkupae (VPS), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Ovella Ochieng (Nairobi United), Jonah Ayunga (St. Mirren), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), and Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki).

Kenya is set to play Madagascar on November 14, followed by a clash against Comoros between November 17 and 18.