Ian Otieno Recalled As McCarthy Names Harambee Stars Squad For South Africa Tests

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has included goalkeeper Ian Otieno and defender Joseph Okumu in a 36-man provisional squad for Kenya’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against South Africa.

Otieno, who plays for South African club Richards Bay, has been recalled after spending an extended period away from the national team.

His inclusion adds another option in goal as Kenya prepare for two encounters against Bafana Bafana in November.

Okumu also features in the provisional selection after recovering from a long-term injury.

The Stade de Reims defender brings international experience to a defensive department that includes several players based outside Kenya.

Among the other defenders named are Vincent Harper of Exeter City, Stanley Wilson of AIK, Eric Marcelo Ouma of Raków Częstochowa, Amos Wanjala of Valencia and Daniel Anyembe of Viborg FF.

The goalkeeper department has five names. Otieno is joined by Byrne Omondi of Gor Mahia, Farouk Shikhalo of Nairobi United, Brian Bwire of Tusker and Caleb Kramer of ADO Den Haag.

McCarthy has also selected established forward Michael Olunga, who plays for Al Arabi, alongside Ryan Ogam of RFC Liège, Job Ochieng of Real Sociedad and Aldrine Kibet of Celta Vigo.

The provisional squad provides the coach with a broad selection of domestic and overseas-based players as Kenya prepare for a demanding test against their southern African opponents.

Harambee Stars will travel to Johannesburg for the opening match on Wednesday, November 11, before hosting South Africa at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, November 17.

The fixtures will mark McCarthy’s first meeting with his native South Africa since taking charge of Kenya.

The matches also form part of Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 AFCON, which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

https://x.com/Harambee__Stars/status/2115913317654970792

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