Emerging Stars head coach Antony Kimani believes the new additions to his squad will provide valuable experience and quality as Kenya prepares to face Ivory Coast in the first leg of their U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Kimani is confident that having a fully fit squad, coupled with the return of players who missed the previous assignment against Tanzania will give his team a major boost ahead of Wednesday’s encounter at Nyayo National Stadium.
The former Harambee Stars midfielder was speaking after Kenya’s final training session, where he admitted that selecting his starting eleven had become a difficult task due to the quality and depth currently available in camp.
Kimani, however welcomed the selection headache, insisting that every player has what it takes to represent the country.
“It’s a good headache. As a coach, I would rather scratch my head in terms of who to play rather than scratch my head wondering who I could have had in the team but didn’t get an opportunity to bring in,” Kimani said.
“As a technical bench, we are trying our best to ensure that we field the very best line-up tomorrow. Everybody who is in camp right now has the potential, quality and ability to show up tomorrow and represent the country really well. So, yes, we’ve got a headache, but I would say it’s a very, very good headache for us,” he said.
Kenya will have additional options for the Ivory Coast clash following the availability of Jack Munene Steel of St Bonaventure, Celta Vigo youngster Aldrine Kibet and the 25/26 SportPesa League Young Player of the season Humphrey Aroko who is currently based in Sweden.
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The trio missed the previous assignment against Tanzania for different reasons, but their availability has strengthened Kimani’s options as he prepares his team for the West African challenge.
Steel, in particular, brings international exposure having previously featured in England, the United States and Kenya.
Kimani believes the midfielder’s experience from playing in different football environments could prove important as the Emerging Stars seek a positive result against Ivory Coast.
“They are players who are going to bring in a lot of experience and exposure by virtue of playing in different environments. For instance, Jack has played in England, the United States of America and has briefly played in Kenya as well,” he explained.
“The experience he has gained from all those leagues he has played in, I am pretty sure, is going to be very instrumental in helping us get good results tomorrow,” he said.
Jack Munene Steel he is a Midfielder currently playing collegiate football for St Bonaventure University in New York.
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The coach also explained the circumstances that prevented Kibet and Aroko from featuring against Tanzania, welcoming their return to the squad.
“It’s not only Jack that we’ve added to the squad. Of course, Aldrine Kibet had issues with his work permit the last time we were playing against Tanzania. We are fortunate that this time around he is available.
The same goes for Aroko. He had an injury the last time we were playing against Tanzania, but now he is here with us,” Kimani added.
With the first leg set to take place at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM EAT, Kimani has urged Kenyan football fans to turn up in large numbers and rally behind the team.
Matchday!
🆚 Côte D’Ivoire U23
⌚️ 3PM
🏟️ Nyayo Stadium
🏆 U23 AFCON Qualifiers#EmergingStars https://t.co/Kv9nmB9H0t— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) November 11, 2026
The coach believes home support could play a significant role in helping the Emerging Stars secure a favourable result before travelling for the return leg in Ivory Coast.
“It’s always good to make good use of home advantage. Last time, Kenyans came out in their numbers and gave us the support that we needed, and the boys did not disappoint,” he said.
“I am pretty sure tomorrow Kenyans will also show up in their numbers. The boys will put their best foot forward, and hopefully, we get a good result tomorrow.”
Kenya head into the encounter hoping to build on their impressive 5-4 aggregate victory over Tanzania in the previous qualifying round.
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