On Thursday, October 29–30, 2026, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy named a 36-man provisional squad for Kenya’s upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against South Africa (Bafana Bafana).
Match Details
Away leg: Friday, November 13, 2026 – Orlando Stadium (or Orlando Amstel Stadium), Johannesburg
Home leg: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 – Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi (kick-off 7:00 pm EAT)
Although Kenya have already secured automatic qualification for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts (alongside Uganda and Tanzania), the fixtures remain important for squad building, form, and momentum ahead of the tournament.
Context and Form
Kenya currently sit with just 1 point from their opening two Group D qualifiers:
1–1 home draw against Eritrea
0–1 away loss to Guinea
McCarthy, a South African, will face his home country for the first time as Harambee Stars coach in what is being billed as a significant coaching dual against Bafana Bafana’s Pitso Mosimane.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers (5)
Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Caleb Kramer
Defenders (13)
Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson, Eric Ouma (Eric Marcelo Ouma), Abud Omar, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Deon Woodman, Daniel Ayembe (Anyembe), Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibagwe (Kibwage), Rooney Onyango, Hannif Wesonga
Midfielders (7)
Manzur Okwaro, Henry Ochieng, Chris Erambo, Marvin Nabwire, Zak Vyner, Alwyn Tera, Alpha Onyango
Forwards (11)
Aldrine Kibet, Will Lenkupae, Kevin Wangaya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth
Key Highlights and Talking Points
Captain Michael Olunga returns after missing the previous international window due to injury. The Al-Arabi striker remains Kenya’s most established goal threat.
Joseph Okumu (Stade de Reims) is back after a lengthy injury lay-off, providing much-needed experience and leadership in defence.
Ian Otieno (Richards Bay) earns a recall in goal.
Young talents feature prominently, including Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo) and Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), both based in Spain.
Domestic standouts include Gor Mahia’s Alpha Onyango (recall after strong league form) and Sylvester Owino (returning from injury).
A significant number of the squad (around 23 players) are based abroad, reflecting McCarthy’s preference for overseas experience mixed with local talent.
English-born midfielder Henry Ochieng (Slough Town) receives a notable call-up.
The squad will be trimmed to a final 23-man group in the coming days. McCarthy is expected to use the double-header to assess depth, build chemistry, and secure Kenya’s first win of the qualifying campaign.
This announcement comes as Kenya continues preparations for both the remaining qualifiers and the 2027 AFCON finals on home soil.
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