Kenya’s Harambee Stars began their November FIFA international window on a subdued note, falling 1-0 to Cape Verde in a closely contested friendly at the Antalya Stadium on Friday evening.
The Blue Sharks, ranked just above Kenya in the FIFA standings, capitalized on a rare defensive lapse to secure the narrow victory, leaving the Stars to regroup ahead of their second fixture next week.
Under the watchful eye of the coaching staff, Harambee Stars showed flashes of promise in possession but struggled to break down Cape Verde’s organized backline. The island nation’s counter-attacking threat proved decisive, underscoring the tactical discipline required against mid-table African opponents. Kenya, playing in their traditional white kits, dominated the midfield battles but lacked the clinical edge in the final third, a recurring theme in their continental campaigns.
This defeat highlights ongoing challenges for the Stars, who boast a passionate domestic fanbase yet have battled inconsistency on the international stage.
The trip to Turkey, a favored training base for African sides, represents a strategic investment in player conditioning amid Kenya’s packed calendar. As the Stars return to the drawing board, fans remain optimistic that these friendlies will forge the unity needed to shine in the future.
