Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy believes Kenya is edging closer to becoming a complete and competitive side ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with several key players expected to return from injury in the coming months.
The South African tactician, who is currently preparing the national team for a series of international friendlies, says the squad is already showing encouraging signs despite being without some of its most experienced and influential players.
Kenya is currently in South Africa for a training camp and is set to face Lesotho in two friendly matches on June 4 and June 7, with both encounters kicking off at 4 PM.
The matches form part of the team’s preparations for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers and the tournament itself, which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
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Speaking about the progress his team has made, McCarthy expressed optimism that the return of several injured players would significantly improve the squad’s quality and depth.
“We are three quarters close to where we want to be to make the full circle. We are still missing that last bit because we have so many injuries. Marcelo (Eric Ouma) is coming back now from injury, Amos (Nondi) we have integrated him with the squad as well because he has also had a lengthy injury and is coming back, so we try to help players.
“Michael Olunga has to come back from injury, Jonah Ayunga, Daniel Anyembe, so we are missing so many top, top players that can come and strengthen this team even more than what it is. I think once we are at full strength and full potential, then I think we have got something to be really optimistic about for the AFCON.”
Among the notable absentees have been defender Eric Ouma who is just coming back from a lengthy injury and has not featured in any competitive match for almost nine months, midfielder Amos Nondi, captain Michael Olunga, striker Jonah Ayunga and defender Daniel Anyembe.
Their return would provide a major boost to a squad that has shown promise under McCarthy’s leadership.
While Kenya has already secured its place at AFCON 2027 as one of the hosts, the Harambee Stars will still participate in a qualifying group featuring South Africa, Guinea and Ethiopia.
The fixtures are expected to provide valuable competitive matches as Kenya builds towards the continental showpiece.
McCarthy has also continued to cast his net wide in search of talent. The former Manchester United first-team coach has handed maiden call-ups to Wealdstone FC duo Micah Obiero and Deon Woodman, Stoke City defender Sydney Agina and ADO Den Haag goalkeeper Caleb Kramer.
Young talents including AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madada and AIK defender Stanley Wilson have also returned to the senior squad, underlining McCarthy’s determination to build a balanced team capable of competing with Africa’s best.
With new faces integrating into the setup and key players gradually returning from injury, McCarthy believes Kenya is steadily moving in the right direction as the countdown to AFCON 2027 continues.
The Harambee Stars coach remains convinced that a fully fit squad will give Kenyan fans plenty of reasons to be hopeful about the future.
Belvine Omondi is a sports journalist who enjoys telling stories across football, volleyball, hockey, rugby and athletics. A trained journalist by profession, formerly worked for Pepeta and now contributes to the Sportpesa blog covering different aspects of sport.
