Benni McCarthy names 36-man Kenya squad for South Africa AFCON qualifiers

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 36-man provisional squad for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa, with the final selection expected to be announced next week.

The squad features 23 foreign-based players, including the return of Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno, who missed Kenya’s opening Group D qualifying matches in September.

The 33-year-old last featured for the Harambee Stars in a friendly against Estonia in March. He will compete with Brian Bwire, formerly of Polokwane City and now playing for Tusker, for a place in the goalkeeping department.

Captain and leading striker Michael Olunga also returns to the squad, while teenage prospect Aldrine Kibet has earned a place following his development at Spanish side Celta Vigo, McCarthy’s former club.

There is also a maiden call-up for English-born midfielder Henry Ochieng, who plays for non-league side Slough Town in England.

However, McCarthy remains unable to secure the services of Sheffield Wednesday right-back Tyler Onyango, who was born in England to a Kenyan father and has represented England at Under-17 level.

Kenya began their Group D campaign with a home draw against Eritrea before suffering an away defeat to Guinea, leaving McCarthy’s side under pressure to improve their results in the upcoming fixtures.

Kenya provisional squad

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

Defenders: Daniel Ayembe (Viborg, Denmark), Vincent Harper (Exeter City, England), Michael Kibagwe (Gor Mahia), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Joseph Okumu (Reims, France), Abud Omar (Tusker), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal, Norway), Eric Ouma (Raków Częstochowa, Poland), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Amos Wanjala (Valencia, Spain), Hannif Wesonga (Jamus, South Sudan), Stanley Wilson (AIK Stockholm, Sweden), Deon Woodman (Bromley, England).

Midfielders: Chris Erambo (Tusker), Marvin Nabwire (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Henry Ochieng (Slough Town, England), Manzur Okwaro (Reims, France), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Alwyn Tera (Ararat-Armenia, Armenia), Zak Vyner (Wrexham, Wales).

Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber (Nairobi United), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo, Spain), Will Lenkupae (Tulsa, USA), Micah Obiero (Carlisle United, England), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad, Spain), Ryan Ogam (RFC Liège, Belgium), Lawrence Okoth (Bandari), Michael Olunga (Al Arabi, Qatar), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Kevin Wangaya (Nairobi United), Adam Wilson (The New Saints, Wales).