Kenya's Harambee Stars will face Rwanda in an international friendly on Monday at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, with kick-off set for 7 pm EAT. The match comes after Kenya's rough start to the 2027 AFCON qualifying matches, with a draw against Eritrea and a narrow defeat to Guinea. Coach Benni McCarthy is eager to inject momentum into his squad, and the friendly against Rwanda provides an opportunity to do so.
Rwanda arrives in high spirits, having won their first two Group K qualifying games against Liberia and Cape Verde. The Amavubi, led by coach Stephen Constantine, have won four matches in a row and sit top of their group with six points. McCarthy has emphasized the need for his team to approach the match with full focus, citing Rwanda's strong form, quality coaching, and impressive recent results.
McCarthy has indicated that younger players in the squad could get game time against Rwanda, using the friendly as a platform to widen his options. However, he has also stressed that Rwanda deserves respect, and the team will need to be at their best to secure a positive result. Attack has been a particular concern for Kenya, with the team creating chances but struggling to finish.
Kenya are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, but McCarthy has emphasized that the matches matter as part of the team's preparation for the tournament. Places in his AFCON squad are up for grabs, and a positive result against Rwanda could do wonders for confidence heading into the more competitive qualifying fixtures still to come.
Constantine is also expected to rotate and test his fringe players, mirroring McCarthy's approach, as he continues shaping his squad for the months ahead. The friendly carries pride and purpose for both sides, and Kenya will be looking to cause an upset against a Rwanda team that has been in impressive form.
The match also comes amid concerns surrounding Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania's preparations to host AFCON 2027. Reports have suggested that CAF has considered alternative hosts, with Morocco, South Africa, and Algeria among the countries reportedly approached as possible replacements. Despite CAF president Patrice Motsepe's public assurances, the tournament's future in East Africa remains uncertain.
The Harambee Stars will look to use the friendly as a platform to build momentum and confidence ahead of the 2027 AFCON. With a number of younger players potentially getting game time, McCarthy will be hoping to see a positive performance from his team. The match will be an important test for both sides as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Key points
- Kenya's Harambee Stars face Rwanda in an international friendly on Monday at Amahoro Stadium.
- Rwanda are in high spirits after winning their first two Group K qualifying games.
- The friendly provides an opportunity for Kenya to build momentum ahead of the 2027 AFCON.
