Kenya name squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has named his squad for the opening Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea.

The Harambee Stars will begin their qualifying campaign against Eritrea before facing Guinea as they bid to secure a place at the tournament.

McCarthy has included a blend of domestic-based players and Kenyans playing abroad, with captain and Al-Arabi forward Michael Olunga among the key names in the squad.

Former Gor Mahia goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, Nairobi United’s Faruk Shikhalo and Tusker’s Brian Bwire have been selected as the three goalkeepers.

The defensive options include Gor Mahia’s Michael Kibagwe and Frank Odhiambo, Sogndal defender Rooney Onyango, Jamus’ Hannif Wesonga, AIK’s Stanley Wilson, Tusker’s Abud Omar, Valencia defender Amos Wanjala and Exeter City full-back Vincent Harper.

In midfield, McCarthy has called up Stade Reims’ Manzur Okwaro, Charlton Athletic’s Timothy Ouma, Tusker’s Chris Erambo, Yanga midfielder Duke Abuya and Power Dynamos’ Marvin Nabwire.

Olunga will lead a forward line that also features Gor Mahia’s Sharif Musa and Ben Stanley, Real Sociedad’s Job Ochieng, Hickory FC’s Javan Ochieng, Carlisle United’s Micah Obiero, FC Lierse’s Ryan Ogam and Mohammed Bajaber, who is currently unattached.

The qualifiers will mark the start of McCarthy’s campaign to guide Kenya towards the 2027 AFCON finals, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Kenya will be hoping to build momentum in the qualifiers as they seek to return to the continental tournament.