Benni McCarthy makes final decision as 24 Kenyan stars prepare to face Bafana Bafana

Benni McCarthy names final Kenya squad as Harambee Stars prepare for crucial Bafana Bafana double-header

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has officially named his final 24-man squad for the upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa, setting the stage for an exciting international showdown against his former national team.

The former Bafana Bafana striker has made his final selections as the Harambee Stars prepare for two important encounters against Pitso Mosimane’s charges, with the first meeting scheduled to take place in South Africa before the return fixture in Nairobi.

McCarthy has assembled a squad featuring a combination of experienced internationals, locally based players and footballers competing in different leagues abroad. The selection also includes several familiar names who will be expected to provide leadership and quality during the demanding double-header.

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the squad is the inclusion of captain Michael Olunga, who returns to the national team setup after recovering from a serious pelvic injury that required surgery in Paris and kept him sidelined for approximately five months.

The experienced striker will be an important attacking option for Kenya as McCarthy looks to improve his team’s performances against a South African side that has started its qualifying campaign strongly.

Another notable inclusion is defender Eric Marcelo Ouma, who has also returned following an injury lay-off. His availability provides additional defensive options for McCarthy ahead of the challenging assignment.

The final selection features three goalkeepers, nine defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards.

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikalo.

Defenders: Abud Omar, Frank Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino, Amos Wanjala, Eric Marcelo Ouma, Stanley Wilson, Vincent Harper, Rooney Onyango, Hannif Wesonga.

Midfielders: Manzur Okwaro, Alwyn Tera, Henry Ochieng, Zak Vyner.

Forwards: Michael Olunga, Job Ochieng, Mohammed Bajaber, Will Lenkupae, Adam Wilson, Ben Stanley, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero.

Meanwhile, Kenya will approach the two matches looking to improve their position in Group D after collecting just one point from their opening two qualifying encounters.

The Harambee Stars began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea before suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Guinea.

Although Kenya have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals as co-hosts alongside South Africa’s regional neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, the remaining qualifiers provide McCarthy with an opportunity to strengthen his squad ahead of the continental tournament.

South Africa, on the other hand, have enjoyed a positive beginning under Mosimane, collecting six points from victories against Guinea and Eritrea.

The first encounter will take place at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, November 13, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00. The return fixture will follow on Tuesday, November 17, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

For McCarthy, the fixtures will carry additional significance as he prepares to face the country where he made his name as a footballer.

With Olunga leading the Kenyan attack and South Africa enjoying strong early results, the two encounters promise to provide an interesting test for both national teams.

https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2118687213630439436

News-Headline24 feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com