Aldrine Kibet Gets Maiden Harambee Stars Call-Up as Benni McCarthy Shakes Up Squad for November Friendlies

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has handed a maiden senior national team call-up to Aldrine Kibet for the upcoming November international window.

Kibet, who has featured for Kenya U18 and U20, is set for his maiden senior team appearance after he made the squad for matches against Madagascar and Comoros next month.

The Celta Vigo attacking midfielder has been a star since bursting onto the scene at the 2023 national school games with St Anthony’s Boys Kitale before going to join Nastic Soccer Academy in Spain and played for Kenya U18 at CECAFA U18 Championships that year before turning out for Rising Stars at 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

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Kibet is among players being introduced or returning to the squad, the others being defender Baron Ochieng, who makes a return to the Harambee Stars team, as well as Ovella Ochieng.

Baron Ochieng was also among the stars at U20 AFCON before he warned a big move to Egyptian giants Zamalek from Sofapaka while Ovella Ochieng has been in scintillating form for his club Nairobi United, who have just made history by qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.

Besides the three, McCarthy has kept faith with his trued and tested with Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City) and Brian Opondo (Tusker FC) the chosen goalkeepers, defenders being Vincent Harper (Walsall), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Etoile Du Sahel), Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Sogndal), Manzur Suleiman (Nairobi United) as well as Baron Ochieng.

The midfield has Kibet, Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznan), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC) with the attacking players being William Lenkupae (VPS), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Ovellah Ochieng (Nairobi United), Jonah Ayunga (ST Mirren), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki).

Kenya will face Madagascar on November 14 while the match against Comoros is scheduled between November 17 and 18.