Kenya coach Benni McCarthy names squad for South Africa showdown

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has announced his 26-man squad for the upcoming double-header against South Africa in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as the Harambee Stars look to revive their campaign.

McCarthy unveiled his selection ahead of the two encounters scheduled for November 12 and 17, with Kenya hoping to secure their first victory in the qualifying campaign.

The Harambee Stars have endured a difficult start to their qualification journey, collecting just one point from their opening two matches and remaining without a win.

The upcoming fixtures against Bafana Bafana therefore represent an important opportunity for the East African nation to improve their position and keep their qualification hopes on track.

McCarthy has blended locally based players with several footballers plying their trade abroad, with experienced striker Michael Olunga leading the attacking options.

Olunga, who features for Qatari side Al-Arabi, is expected to play an important role in Kenya’s attacking plans, while Ryan Ogam of RFC Liège and Job Ochieng of Real Sociedad also feature in the forward department.

The squad also includes several players competing in European leagues, among them Eric Marcelo Ouma of Raków Częstochowa, Stanley Wilson of AIK, Vincent Harper of Exeter City and Rooney Onyango of Sogndal.

In midfield, McCarthy has selected Manzur Okwaro of Stade Reims, Alwyn Tera of Ararat-Armenia, Henry Ochieng of Slough Town and Zak Vyner of Wrexham to provide options for the technical team.

Gor Mahia have a strong representation in the squad, with Byrne Omondi, Frank Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino and Ben Stanley earning places in the selection.

The two matches against South Africa will be crucial for McCarthy’s men as they seek to turn around their disappointing start and strengthen their position in the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON.

As one of the tournament’s co-hosts, Kenya will be eager to build momentum ahead of the competition while using the remaining qualifiers to improve their competitive form.

Kenya squad:

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Tusker), Faruk Shikalo (Nairobi United).

Defenders: Abud Omar (Tusker), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Amos Wanjala (Valencia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Eric Marcelo Ouma (Raków Częstochowa), Stanley Wilson (AIK), Vincent Harper (Exeter City), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Hannif Wesonga (Jamus FC).

Midfielders: Manzur Okwaro (Stade Reims), Alwyn Tera (Ararat-Armenia), Henry Ochieng (Slough Town), Zak Vyner (Wrexham).

Forwards: Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Mohammed Bajaber (Nairobi United), Will Lenkupae (Tulsa), Adam Wilson (The New Saints), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Michael Olunga (Al-Arabi), Ryan Ogam (RFC Liège), Micah Obiero (Carlisle United).