Kenya coach Benni McCarthy names provisional squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has announced his provisional squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea.

The Harambee Stars will open their qualifying campaign at home against Eritrea on September 26, 2026, with the match scheduled to take place at the Nyayo Stadium.

Kenya will then travel to Conakry for their second qualifying fixture against Guinea on October 1, at the Stade du 28 Septembre.

McCarthy has selected a strong provisional squad featuring a mixture of experienced internationals, established foreign-based players and promising talents from both the Kenyan league and clubs abroad.

Experienced forward Michael Olunga of Al-Arabi leads the attacking options, while Joseph Okumu of Stade Reims is among the notable names in defence.

The squad also includes players based in England, Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and other European leagues, underlining McCarthy’s efforts to build a competitive Kenyan side for the qualifying campaign.

With two challenging fixtures against Eritrea and Guinea awaiting them, McCarthy will be hoping his squad can make a strong start and put Kenya in a good position in the race for qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Kenya Provisional Squad for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:

Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Faruk Shikhalo (Nairobi United), Ian Otieno (Richards Bay), Brian Bwire (Tusker), Caleb Kramer (ADO Den Haag).

Defenders:

Daniel Ayembe (Viborg FF), Deon Woodman (Bromley), Michael Kibagwe (Gor Mahia), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Hannif Wesonga (Jamus), Manzur Okwaro (Stade Reims), Stanley Wilson (AIK), Abud Omar (Tusker), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims), Amos Wanjala (Valencia), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia).

Midfielders:

Zak Vyner (Wrexham), Timothy Ouma (Charlton Athletic), Kevin Wangaya (Nairobi United), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Marvin Nabwire (Power Dynamos), Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient), Will Lenkupae (Tulsa), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo).

Forwards:

Mohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa (Gor Mahia), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Adam Wilson (The New Saints), Javan Ochieng (Hickory), Louis Millard (Swindon Town), Michael Olunga (Al-Arabi), Ryan Ogam (RFC Liège), Micah Obiero (Wealdstone), Lawrence Okoth (Bandari).