Senegal vs Kenya: International Friendly Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Match Details:

• Fixture: Senegal vs Kenya (Lions of Teranga vs Harambee Stars)
• Competition: International Friendly Match (FIFA Window)
• Venue: Mardan Stadium, Antalya, Turkey
• Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
• Kick-Off: 6:00 PM EAT (3:00 PM UTC)

Senegal vs Kenya Prediction: Can Harambee Stars Upset Africa's Elite?

Senegal vs Kenya takes center stage in Antalya, Turkey, as the reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions face the rising Harambee Stars in a crucial international friendly. This Senegal vs Kenya international friendly serves as vital preparation for both teams ahead of their upcoming competitive fixtures.

The Lions of Teranga enter this match following a high-profile friendly against five-time World Cup winners Brazil, showcasing their commitment to testing themselves against elite opposition. Their foreign-based, star-studded squad highlights the deep talent pool at their disposal.

Kenya, despite a recent 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in their first friendly in Turkey, is using this FIFA window to climb the FIFA World Rankings and gain invaluable experience against Africa's top-ranked side.

FIFA World Rankings: Massive Gap Between Senegal and Kenya

The substantial 91-place gap in the FIFA rankings underscores the difference in class between the two nations, positioning Senegal as overwhelming favourites. For Kenya Harambee Stars, a positive result would be a major achievement for their new generation of players.

Senegal vs Kenya: Recent Form Analysis

Senegal Form: Dominant in Recent Matches ✅

Recent Results: W-W-W-W-L (Last 5 matches)

Senegal's recent form in competitive qualifiers has been imperious:

• 4-0 victory over Mauritania
• 5-0 thrashing of South Sudan
• Their only recent defeat was a 2-0 friendly loss to Brazil
• 16 goals scored in their last 6 matches (2.67 goals per game average)

The AFCON champions have demonstrated clinical finishing and defensive solidity, making them formidable opponents for any African nation.

Kenya Form: Mixed Results in Recent Outings

Recent Results: L-W-W-L-L (Last 5 matches)

Kenya's form has been inconsistent:

• Won friendly against Chad in June 2025
• Won 1-0 Burundi in world qualifiers
• 1-3 loss to Gambia in AFCON/World Cup qualifiers
• 0-3 defeat to Ivory Coast
• 5-0 thrashing of Seychelles world cup qualifiers
• Most recently, 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on November 14th in Turkey

Kenya's challenge is significant, especially against a team of Senegal's calibre, but their goal is to demonstrate progress and tactical resilience under new coach Bennie McCarthy.

Senegal vs Kenya Head-to-Head: Lions Dominate Harambee Stars

This will be the first-ever international friendly match between the two nations. All four previous meetings occurred at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals:

Head-to-Head Summary:

• Senegal wins: 3
• Draws: 1
• Kenya wins: 0
• Goals: Senegal 9-0 Kenya (in victories)

Senegal has been utterly dominant in AFCON matchups, winning three out of four games with a combined scoreline of 9-0 in those victories, highlighting Kenya's historical struggle to compete with the Lions of Teranga.

Team News & Key Players

Senegal Squad: Europe and Gulf-Based Stars ⭐

Coach Pape Thiaw has called up a full-strength, all-foreign-based squad, which is logistically convenient for a Turkey-based friendly.

Key Players to Watch:

• Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr): The talisman and star forward remains the primary attacking threat for the Lions of Teranga
• Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal): Experienced defender and captain, providing a solid defensive foundation
• Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahli): Former Chelsea goalkeeper, a reliable presence between the posts
• Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur): Midfield engine crucial for transition play
• Ismaïla Sarr: Pacey winger who terrorizes defenses

Kenya Squad: Building for 2027 AFCON

Coach Bennie McCarthy is focusing on building a younger squad for future competitive cycles, including the 2027 AFCON. The squad features a blend of local and Europe-based talent.

Key Players to Watch:

• Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo): Young forward, a key part of the new generation
• Jonah Ayunga (St Mirren): Experienced forward relied upon for goals
• Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia): Goalkeeper who will likely face immense pressure
• Duke Abuya (Yanga): Captain and experienced midfielder

Tactical Breakdown: Senegal vs Kenya Strategies

Senegal: Possession-Based Dominance

Senegal will operate with their customary high energy and technical brilliance:

• Dominate possession (expected 60%+ ball control)
• Exploit flanks with pacey wingers like Ismaïla Sarr and Sadio Mané
• Midfield control to supply the potent forward line
• Squad rotation to assess depth ahead of competitive fixtures

Kenya: Defensive Resilience and Counter-Attacks

Kenya's strategy will be primarily defensive:

• Low defensive block: Compact, disciplined shape to frustrate Senegal's star attackers
• Goalkeeper heroics: Relying heavily on Byrne Omondi to keep the scoreline manageable
• Quick counter-attacks: Targeting the pace of Jonah Ayunga on the break
• Set-piece opportunities: Maximizing chances from free kicks and corners

Probable Starting Line-ups

Senegal Probable XI (4-2-3-1)

GK: Mendy
DEF: Mendy, Koulibaly (C), Mamadou Sarr, Jakobs
MID: I. Gueye, P. Gueye
FWD: I. Sarr, Mané, Jackson

Kenya Probable XI (4-2-3-1)

GK: B. Omondi
DEF: Baron , Omija, Sylvester ,K.Otiende
MID: A. Onyango, D. Abuya (C)
AMID: B. Muchiri, Austine O. , J. Ayunga
FWD: R. Ogam

Senegal vs Kenya Final Score Prediction

While Kenya will undoubtedly show passion and defensive grit, Senegal's quality, depth, and attacking prowess are on a different level.

The Lions of Teranga's recent form and historical dominance over the Harambee Stars, coupled with the fatigue Kenya may experience after playing Equatorial Guinea, point to a comfortable victory for the AFCON champions.

Final Score Prediction: Senegal 3-0 Kenya

Senegal vs Kenya Betting Tips

Top Betting Predictions:

1. Senegal to win and keep a clean sheet (Win to Nil) ⭐ Best Value
2. Sadio Mané anytime goalscorer
3. Over 2.5 goals in the match
4. Senegal to win both halves
5. Kenya under 0.5 goals

Why This International Friendly Matters

For Senegal 🇸🇳

This is a critical match to maintain momentum and tactical sharpness ahead of upcoming AFCON 2025 and World Cup qualifiers. It allows Coach Pape Thiaw to:

• Fine-tune formations and test new players
• Affirm their status as Africa's elite team
• Build chemistry among foreign-based players
• Prepare for high-stakes competitive fixtures

For Kenya 🇰🇪

The Harambee Stars see this as a high-stakes learning opportunity to measure themselves against a world-class team. As FKF's Athanas Oballa stated, a primary goal is to improve their FIFA World Ranking.

Playing an opponent ranked #18 offers maximum ranking points for a positive result (win or draw), making the match highly valuable, even in defeat. It is a vital step in their rebuilding process for the 2027 AFCON.

Where to Watch Senegal vs Kenya

Due to the venue's convenience for European-based players, the match will likely be played behind closed doors. Check:

• Sporty Tv sports news channels
• FKF official channels for streaming information
• Senegal Football Federation social media

Match Preview Summary

Senegal is an overwhelming favourite, bringing a star-studded squad and exceptional form into this international friendly. For Kenya, the challenge is enormous, but the objective is clear: gain experience against a top-tier opponent and demonstrate tactical progress under Bennie McCarthy.

Senegal's class is expected to prevail comfortably in this Senegal vs Kenya clash in Antalya, Turkey.

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