Benni McCarthy drops Ian Otieno from Kenya’s final AFCON qualifying squad

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has left Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno out of Kenya’s final squad for this month’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea.

The 33-year-old was included in McCarthy’s provisional 38-man selection but has not made the final group. Byrne Omondi of Gor Mahia, Nairobi United’s Faruk Shikala and Tusker goalkeeper Brian Bwire were selected instead.

Otieno is in his third season with the KwaZulu-Natal-based club. He played a key role last season as Richards Bay avoided being drawn into the relegation battle.

The goalkeeper recorded nine clean sheets in 24 league appearances, helping the Natal Rich Boys finish 11th with 34 points. He has not kept a clean sheet in five matches so far this season.

Kenya have already secured their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations because they are one of the tournament’s three co-hosts. Consequently, only one other team from Group D will qualify for the finals.

The group also includes Bafana Bafana, while Kenya’s other opponents are Eritrea and Guinea.

McCarthy has previously said he intends to approach the qualifying matches seriously as he seeks to strengthen his team ahead of the finals.

Kenya will host Eritrea on 26 September before travelling to face Guinea on 1 October.