Michael Olunga Returns as McCarthy Names Harambee Stars Squad for South Africa

Kenya’s road to AFCON 2027 has entered a crucial phase as head coach Benni McCarthy named his provisional squad for the double header against South Africa.

The Harambee Stars will face Bafana Bafana in two Group D qualifiers next month, even though Kenya have already qualified automatically as co-hosts of AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

According to reports from Mozzart Sport, Kenya will travel to Johannesburg for the first leg on Wednesday, November 11 at Orlando Stadium, before hosting the return leg at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, November 17. The fixtures will be the first time McCarthy faces his native South Africa since taking charge of Harambee Stars.

The former Manchester United striker has named a 36-man provisional squad featuring a blend of experienced internationals, returning players and fresh faces.

The biggest headline is the return of captain Michael Olunga. The Al-Arabi striker has been out for five months after undergoing pelvic surgery in Paris. He made his comeback last week, scoring and providing an assist in Al-Arabi’s 4-1 win over Al-Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League.

Olunga is now one goal away from tying William Ouma’s all-time record of 34 goals for Kenya. His return is a major boost for McCarthy who has struggled for goals in his absence.

Olunga is joined in attack by Ryan Ogam who is excelling at RFC Liege in Belgium with 8 goals, Job Ochieng who scored and registered two assists for Real Sociedad B against Elche last weekend, Micah Obiero from Carlisle United, and Lawrence Okoth from Bandari.

In defence, Stade de Reims centre back Joseph Okumu returns after missing six months with a knee ligament injury. He is joined by Eric Marcelo Ouma from Rakow, Rooney Onyango from Sogndal, Daniel Anyembe from Viborg, Vincent Harper from Exeter City and Gor Mahia trio Michael Kibagwe, Frank Odhiambo and Sylvester Owino.

In goal, South Africa-based Ian Otieno headlines the returning players after earning a recall from Richards Bay. Dutch-based Caleb Kramer from ADO Den Haag is also included alongside Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo and Brian Bwire.

Midfield will see Manzur Okwaro from Stade Reims, Timothy Ouma from Charlton Athletic, Duke Abuya from Young Africans, Marvin Nabwire from Power Dynamos, Chris Erambo from Tusker and exciting 19-year-old Aldrine Kibet from Celta Vigo.

Although Kenya have automatic qualification, McCarthy insists these games provide valuable preparation. The matches will also test Kenya against strong opposition.

The two fixtures open the group phase for Kenya alongside Guinea, Eritrea and South Africa. Guinea, coached by Paulo Duarte, have named a strong 25-man squad headlined by Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, who is one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.

South Africa on their part are expected to start with Ronwen Williams in goal, with Lyle Foster returning to challenge Iqraam Rayners for the striker position. Bafana Bafana historically have better results against Kenya, but McCarthy will hope home advantage in the second leg can swing it.

McCarthy is expected to trim the squad to a final 24-man list next week before entering residential camp at Kasarani on November 3.

1. Mozzart Sport – Exclusive: Harambee Stars provisional squad to face South Africa, Oct 29 2026

2. Michezo Afrika – McCarthy Trims Harambee Stars Squad for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers, Oct 29 2026

3. http://Pepeta.co.ke – Olunga Returns as Harambee Stars Name squad for South Africa test, Oct 29 2026

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