- Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 36-man provisional squad for the November assignments.
- Kenya are set to face South Africa in back-to-back 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures.
- The first leg will be played in South Africa on November 13, with the return fixture scheduled for November 17 at Nyayo Stadium.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his provisional squad ahead of Kenya’s back-to-back fixtures against South Africa in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Kenya will play the first leg away on Friday, November 13, before hosting Bafana Bafana in the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17, at 7pm EAT at the Nyayo National Stadium.
This will be a crucial assignment for McCarthy, who will be facing his native country, South Africa, whose national team jersey he once donned.
He will be looking to put on a show as Bafana Bafana attempt to secure their place alongside Kenya, who have already qualified for the Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2027 continental showpiece as co-hosts.
Kenya will be seeking their first win in this qualifying campaign following a draw with Eritrea and a defeat to Guinea in Group D during the September/October international break
As a result, the former Manchester United forward has assembled a squad featuring rising stars alongside a blend of experience, with several seasoned players earning recalls.
Among the notable returns is Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu, who is back in the fold after recovering from a long-term injury.
Okumu has been sidelined since August last year, when he featured for just 10 minutes during Reims’ opener against Amiens. He suffered a tear to his left knee ligaments in the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, with such injuries typically taking months to heal.
Okumu is not the only defender making a comeback, as Daniel Anyembe, who plays for Danish Superliga side Viborg FF, has also made the cut after missing several matches in recent times.
His return could provide a welcome boost to Kenya’s backline if he secures a place in the final squad.
Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango has also earned a recall to the Harambee Stars setup following a promising start to the SportPesa League season, having scored three crucial goals for his club so far.
Goalkeeper Ian Otieno, who plays for Richards Bay, has also returned tonthe fold.
Experienced striker and captain Michael Olunga, who was excused from the previous international break to recover from an injury, has also been included in the squad.
He will be joined by emerging talents such as Aldrine Kibet and Job Ochieng, both attached to Spanish sides, as well as Kevin Wangaya and Lawrence Okoth, among the Rising Stars called up.
Although Kenya have already qualified for the tournament as co-hosts, these fixtures will offer a valuable assessment of the team’s readiness ahead of the upcoming continental showpiece.
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Harambee Stars Provisional Squad to Face South Africa
- Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Caleb Kramer.
- Defenders: Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Deon Woodman, Daniel Anyembe, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibagwe, Rooney Onyango, Hannif Wesonga.
- Midfielders: Manzur Okwaro, Henry Ochieng, Chris Erambo, Marvin Nabwire, Zak Vyner, Alwyn Tera, Alpha Onyango.
- Forwards: Aldrine Kibet, Will Lenkupae, Kevin Wangaya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth.