McCarthy introduces three new faces as Kenya prepare for 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Kenya manager Benni McCarthy has named an expanded 38-player squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Kevin Wangaya, Louis Millard and Javan Ochieng included for the first time.

The Harambee Stars are already guaranteed a place at the tournament because Kenya will co-host the finals with Uganda and Tanzania. However, McCarthy plans to approach the matches against Eritrea and Guinea with maximum competitive intensity as he continues to develop and assess his squad.

The South African coach has used the selection to bring fresh faces into the national set-up while retaining experienced players, including captain and established striker Michael Olunga.

Kenya’s goalkeeping options are Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire and Caleb Kramer.

The defensive group consists of Manzur Okwaro, Stanley Wilson, Abud Omar, Joseph Okumu, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Daniel Ayembe, Deon Woodman, Michael Kibagwe, Rooney Onyango, Paul Ochuoga and Hannif Wesonga.

In midfield, McCarthy has selected Zak Vyner, Timothy Ouma, Kevin Wangaya, Chris Erambo, Duke Abuya, Marvin Nabwire, Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero, Will Lenkupae and Aldrine Kibet.

The forwards named in the squad are Mohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Javan Ochieng, Louis Millard, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero and Lawrence Okoth.

Wangaya, Millard and Ochieng are the three new internationals called up as Kenya look to add competition and energy to their attacking and forward options. Their inclusion forms part of McCarthy’s wider effort to shape the group ahead of the 2027 tournament.

Although Kenya’s co-host status means qualification for the finals is already secured, the fixtures against Eritrea and Guinea will provide the team with meaningful competitive preparation. They will also give McCarthy the chance to examine a broad selection of players before settling on the squad he wants to take forward.

The full Kenya squad is:

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Caleb Kramer.

Defenders: Manzur Okwaro, Stanley Wilson, Abud Omar, Joseph Okumu, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Daniel Ayembe, Deon Woodman, Michael Kibagwe, Rooney Onyango, Paul Ochuoga, Hannif Wesonga.

Midfielders: Zak Vyner, Timothy Ouma, Kevin Wangaya, Chris Erambo, Duke Abuya, Marvin Nabwire, Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero, Will Lenkupae, Aldrine Kibet.

Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Javan Ochieng, Louis Millard, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth.