Senegal humiliate Kenya in dominant friendly display

Senegal produced a clinical performance to thrash Harambee Stars 8-0 in an international friendly at Mardan Stadium, Turkey, on Tuesday, November 18.

The Lions of Teranga began strongly, immediately applying pressure as Harambee Stars struggled to settle. Senegal’s quick tempo and precise passing left the Kenyan defence exposed from the first whistle.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is building a squad for the 2027 AFCON, while Senegal are preparing for the 2025 tournament.

Both teams were eager to bounce back after disappointing previous friendlies. Kenya lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea, while Senegal fell 2-0 against Brazil.

The match opened with early Senegalese dominance. Nicolas Jackson scored in the ninth minute before Malick Diouf doubled the lead three minutes later.

Jackson then added his second and Sadio Mane struck in the 17th minute, putting Senegal 4-0 up.

Harambee Stars attempted to respond, with Jonah Ayunga and Austin Odhiambo creating chances, but Senegal’s defence and technical superiority stifled all attacks.

Mane converted a penalty in the 30th minute and added another goal four minutes later to extend the lead to 6-0.

After halftime, Senegal maintained control. Ibrahim Mbaye scored in the 48th minute, followed by Cherif Ndiaye’s penalty in the 63rd minute, making it 8-0.

Harambee Stars struggled to create meaningful chances despite substitutions from Ryan Ogam, Shariff Musa and Lawrence Okoth.

Kenyan frustration boiled over in the second half, with assistant coach Vasili Manousakis shown a red card following a dispute with the referee.

Senegal continued to dominate possession and create opportunities until the final whistle, leaving Harambee Stars humbled.