Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Kenya’s U23 Emerging Stars produced an emphatic 4-1 win over Tanzania at Nyayo National Stadium, taking a commanding position ahead of the second leg. Here’s what was said and what the result means for the qualifier.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports on Thursday said allowances owed in connection with the national team’s engagements in Zambia, South Africa and Turkey had been cleared.
As Kenya moves closer to AFCON 2027, the league's continued uncertainty adds another dimension to preparations for a tournament that will place both the country's football facilities and its national team under heightened continental attention
Among the biggest stories is the return of captain Michael Olunga, who has been absent from the national team since September 2025. He was sidelined for several months by a pelvic injury but has since returned to club football with Qatar-based Al-Arabi
Timothy Ouma has been unveiled as a Charlton Athletic player on a season-long loan from Slavia Prague, with the move including an option to make it permanent. The unveiling also featured Kenyan teammate Collins Sichenje.
According to world football governing body FIFA, Kenya retained its position with 1,185.08 points, missing out on an opportunity to climb the rankings as several nations benefited from strong performances at the World Cup.
Tusker secured a place in the tournament after Sudanese side Al Merrikh withdrew, handing the Kenyan club an unexpected chance to test themselves against some of the region's top teams.
The experienced defender completed his move to the Brewers on Monday after successfully passing his medical and signing a deal with the Ruaraka-based club. On Tuesday, he penned an emotional farewell message to Kenya Police, thanking the club for its support during his three-year stay.
Speaking on Radio Generation in Nairobi on Friday, the initiative's founder, Titus Mulama, said the academy, which has admitted more than 100 footballers of different age groups from across the country, now has just 48 hours to raise Sh3 million and save the dreams of the 15 youngsters.
Speaking on Radio Generation’s Saturday sports show, The Sports Garage, Otieno criticised league organisers and stressed the need to prioritise players, who he described as the most important part of the game.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed that Harambee Stars will still take part in the qualification campaign with 48 other nations competing for the remaining slots at the tournament, where 24 teams will eventually qualify for the finals.
The former Harambee Stars captain emphasised the significance of his roots, highlighting his rise from Nairobi’s Muthurwa area to becoming one of Kenya’s most successful football exports.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent drawn from both domestic and international clubs as the technical bench continues to shape the national team ahead of upcoming competitive assignments.
Firat, who had joined the Lebanese club on February 9, was working with Kenyan players Austin Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu, and Masoud Juma.
In a statement published on Friday on ADAK’s website, the Harambee Stars player, who currently plays for Norwegian second-tier side Sogndal, is said to have failed to submit his whereabouts information by the required deadline; a filing failure.
Speaking to Radio Generation on Tuesday morning, former Harambe Stars captain Musa Otieno hailed the South African import, saying that his faith in youngsters might be Kenya's solution to exposing players in established proffesional first tier football leagues abroad.
Benni McCarthy has emerged as a leading candidate for the USM Alger coaching job, with Algerian reports linking the Harambee Stars boss to the vacant role after Abdelhak Benchikha’s exit.
Real Sociedad winger Job Ochieng became the third Kenyan to play in La Liga, debuting in a 3–1 win over Elche and earning praise from Benni McCarthy and Nacho Monreal.
Harambee Stars midfielder Eric Johana has left Saudi First Division side Al Zulfi SC after his five‑month deal expired, ending a 15‑game stint as he weighs his next move.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars will face Estonia, Grenada and hosts Rwanda in Group A of the inaugural FIFA Series in Kigali in March 2026, using the friendlies to prepare for co-hosting AFCON 2027.
Lech Poznań has demoted Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy Ouma to the reserves after rule breaches, excluding him from an Abu Dhabi camp and raising doubts over his short‑term future at the club.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy says Kenya’s CHAN 2024 run signalled a shift from athletics to football, citing rising passion, talent and a new team identity after topping a tough group.
The defeat to Senegal was catastrophic by any measure. Kenya staggered out of the blocks and found themselves 4-0 down inside 17 minutes, then went into the break trailing 6-0.
The campaign started with a 1–0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea at the Emirgan Sport Centre. A penalty in the first half by Jose Miranda, following a foul on him by Rooney Onyango inside the box, gave the hosts the lead.
Following the defeat, Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed openly admitted the team’s performance was unacceptable.
Kenya is set to face Equatorial Guinea on November 14 and Senegal on November 18 in Antalya, Turkey, but head coach Benni McCarthy’s squad announcement raised eyebrows across the country after Olunga’s name was missing.
Matasi had been provisionally suspended from all football activity in the country for 90 days in late March amid an investigation into allegations of match manipulation.
In Group C, South Africa took advantage of Benin's loss to Nigeria to leapfrog into first, with the Super Eagles soaring into second. Côte d'Ivoire left no doubt in downing Kenya to clinch Group F, while Senegal ran rampant at home against Mauritania to sew up Group B.
Manchester United forward Amad Diallo cut inside his marker and sent a gorgeous pass into Franck Kessie, who took it in his stride and fired home for Emerson Fae’s men early on, to rapturous applause from a now party like crowd at the stadium. The excellent Yan Diomende made it two, before Diallo put the result to bed late on.
The Elephants have won seven of their nine matches in the campaign, with the only blemishes being goalless draws against Kenya and Gabon on matchdays three and seven respectively.