BETTING GUIDE: Kenya Vs Equatorial Guinea, match preview, team news and prediction

Kenya play a high-profile International friendly clash against Equatorial Guinea on Friday, November 14, at the Emir Complex in Antalya, Turkey.

This encounter is the first of two scheduled matches for the Harambee Stars, who will also face former African champions Senegal on November 18.

Both fixtures form part of Kenya’s long-term preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which they will co-host.

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Under new head coach Benni McCarthy, Kenya enter this friendly window with renewed optimism and a developing squad built around homegrown and abroad potential with youthful energy.

For the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea, led by Juan Michá Obiang, this tie forms part of their own preparation camp ahead for the National Team designed by the Equatorial Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) before the next edition of the CAN, providing an important test against a physical and fast-improving East African side.

Both teams are using the Turkey camp to refine their tactical approaches and evaluate squad depth ahead of continental competitions.

Kenya, whose World Cup qualifying form has been inconsistent (three losses, and two wins in their last five), are looking to re-establish rhythm and chemistry under McCarthy’s guidance.

The former South Africa and Manchester United striker has emphasized competitive friendlies as key to building confidence and unity within the group.

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Equatorial Guinea arrive in Antalya on the back of mixed results in recent matches but remain a compact and disciplined side.

They are ranked among the top 20 African nations and have proven difficult to break down in major tournaments, famously reaching the AFCON quarter-finals in 2022.

This fixture against Kenya offers Coach Michá a chance to blend experienced campaigners such as Pedro Obiang, Omar Mascarell, and Carlos Akapo with younger options in attack.

Kenya’s recent form has been mixed, recording three wins and three losses in their last six matches (L W W L L W), a run that reflects both their attacking promise and moments of inconsistency.

Their most recent international outing in Turkey came in October 2023, when they produced an encouraging 2–2 draw against Russia under then-coach Engin Firat-a result that showcased the team’s resilience and ability to compete against higher-ranked opposition.

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Equatorial Guinea, on the other hand, have had a challenging spell in recent months, registering two draws, three losses, and one win across their last six games (D L L W D L).

Despite their solid defensive base, they have struggled for consistency in the final third, often relying on set pieces and transitions to threaten opponents.

Coach McCarthy made three changes to his provisional squad originally named last month.

With the fixture schedule altered to include Equatorial Guinea and Senegal instead of Madagascar and Comoros, Kenya’s boss has introduced fresh faces into the national setup.

Nairobi United left-back Kevin Otiende, alongside Gor Mahia duo Bryton Onyona and Sharif Musa, have been called up to replace Manzur Okwaro, Adam Wilson, and Vincent Harper, who have all been ruled out.

The trio joins a squad blending local FKF Premier League standouts with Europe-based professionals, reflecting McCarthy’s intention to test players across different experience levels.

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Otiende, one of the breakout performers for Nairobi United, has impressed both domestically and in continental competition, helping his club reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

For Gor Mahia’s Bryton Onyona, the call-up caps a rapid rise through the ranks - the 20-year-old has been lauded for his composure and defensive maturity at full-back.

Meanwhile, Musa makes his return to the national team for the first time since March 2024, having enjoyed a strong start to the season with K’Ogalo.

According to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the friendlies are designed to “provide Harambee Stars with a vital opportunity to test their strength against high-ranking opponents, fine-tune tactical approaches, and build cohesion ahead of upcoming competitive engagements.”

Equatorial Guinea’s Juan Michá Obiang on the other hand, has also brought a balanced 24-man squad to Turkey.

While Emilio Nsue, the team’s record scorer, is absent, the return of key players like Pedro Obiang, Omar Mascarell, and Josete Miranda strengthens the team’s midfield and attacking structure.

The defensive line features Saúl Coco (Las Palmas), Carlos Akapo, Esteban Orozco, and Marvin Anieboh, forming a physically strong and tactically aware back four.

In attack, Iban Salvador, Luismi Nlavo, and Loren Zúñiga provide a mix of pace, power, and finishing quality.

Equatorial Guinea began their training camp in Antalya on Tuesday afternoon and will face Madagascar later in the window.

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Under McCarthy, Kenya are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing vertical passing and high pressing in wide areas.

The focus will be on coordinated buildup through midfield pivots such as Marvin Nabwire and Alpha Onyango, supported by creative outlets like Austin Odhiambo and Celta Vigo based stalwart Aldrine Kibet, who is among the new faces in camp having played exceptionally well for the U20 side at AFCON U20.

In-form Ryan Ogam expected to lead the attack.

McCarthy has also been seen to employ a 4-4-2, and it will not be shocking if Ogam is paired with Jonah Ayunga in attack in the hunt for goals and a morale boosting win.

With the call up of Shariff Musa, McCarthy could be looking to inject the much needed pace in his team, as the Gor Mahia winger has pace and the technical ability to decide games.

Equatorial Guinea will likely respond with their well-rehearsed 4-3-3 shape, emphasizing compact defending, midfield control through Mascarell and Obiang, and swift counter-attacks via Salvador and Nlavo.

The contrast in tactical styles - Kenya’s mobility versus Equatorial Guinea’s control - promises a balanced and intriguing encounter.

Historically, these two sides have only met once before, a 2018 international friendly that ended 1–0 in favour of Kenya, giving the Harambee Stars a slight psychological edge heading into this encounter.

Key Pointers

Kenya have won 5 of their last 9 competitive matches, showing steady improvement under Benni McCarthy.

Four of Kenya’s last five games have produced over 2.5 goals.

Equatorial Guinea are winless in their last three World Cup Qualifiers (D1, L2).

Equatorial Guinea have managed just one win in their last four competitive fixtures, reflecting poor recent form.

This friendly should be competitive and open, with both sides using it as key preparation for upcoming competitive matches and campaigns.

Kenya’s youthful energy and attacking intent - having seen over 2.5 goals in four of their last five games - could trouble Equatorial Guinea’s organized but recently inconsistent defence.

For Benni McCarthy, it’s a chance to test something new and the new faces ahead of AFCON 2027, while Juan Michá uses it to fine-tune his squad. Expect a balanced contest with moments of attacking quality from both ends.

Prediction; Over 2.5 Goals

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