Kenya coach Sebastien Migne has announced his preliminary 30-man squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, with Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama as the standout star. The Harambee Stars are set to prepare for the tournament with a training camp in France, where they will play two friendly matches against Gambia and Madagascar ahead of their AFCON campaign.
The squad features a mix of domestic and Europe-based talent, highlighting Migne’s approach of combining experience with emerging players. Notably, former Swedish U17 international Christopher Mbamba has been called up, while Zesco United striker Jesse Were is absent from the list.
Kenya has been drawn into Group C of the tournament, facing stiff competition from Senegal, Algeria, and Tanzania. Victor Wanyama, who will soon contest the UEFA Champions League final with Tottenham, leads a midfield that also includes Anthony Akumu (Zesco United), Eric Johanna (IF Bromma), Ismael Gonzales (UD Las Palmas), Francis Kahata (Gor Mahia), Dennis Odhiambo (Sofapaka), Johanna Omollo (Cercle Brugge), and Whyvonne Isuza (AFC Leopards).
The defensive line is anchored by Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia), Musa Mohammed (Nkana FC), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia), Abud Omar (Sepsi Sfântu-Gheorghe), David Owino (Zesco United), Bernard Ochieng (Vihiga United), Brian Mandela (Maritzburg United), Erick Ouma (Vasalund IF), and Joseph Okumu (Real Monarchs).
Goalkeeping duties will be shared among Patrick Matasi (St. Georges, Ethiopia), Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks), and Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks).
Up front, Kenya will rely on the attacking talents of Clifton Miheso (Portugal), Paul Were (AFC Leopards), Ayub Timbe (Beijing Renhe), Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol), Allan Wanga (Kakamega Homeboyz), John Avire (Sofapaka), Masud Juma (Libya), Ochieng Ovella (IF Vasalund), and Chris Mbamba (IK Oddevold).
Migne’s squad selection reflects a balance of experienced international campaigners and promising young players, designed to compete effectively in a challenging Group C lineup. The Harambee Stars will hope that the combination of European-based stars and domestic league performers can provide the strength, creativity, and resilience needed to advance from the group stage.
With the preparatory camp in France, Kenya will focus on building team cohesion and sharpening tactical execution. The upcoming friendlies against Gambia and Madagascar will serve as crucial opportunities to finalize the lineup and evaluate key combinations ahead of the AFCON matches.
Victor Wanyama’s leadership will be central to Kenya’s campaign, both as a midfield anchor and as an inspiration to the younger squad members. Migne’s decision to include players like Chris Mbamba and Ochieng Ovella suggests an emphasis on versatility and depth, allowing the team to adapt to the demands of continental competition.
As the Harambee Stars prepare to face heavyweights Senegal and Algeria, alongside Tanzania, the squad announced by Migne aims to balance experience, technical skill, and tactical awareness, giving Kenya a competitive edge in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations group stage fixtures.
