McCarthy Reveals Players He Trusts to Face South Africa in Crucial AFCON Qualifiers

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his final squad for Kenya’s upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against South Africa.

The squad features a blend of locally based players and footballers plying their trade abroad as Kenya prepares for two important encounters against Bafana Bafana in November.

Kenya will travel to South Africa for the first leg scheduled for Friday, November 13, at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg before returning home for the second meeting on Tuesday, November 17, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Among the goalkeepers selected are Byrne Omondi of Gor Mahia, Brian Bwire of Tusker and Faruk Shikhalo of Nairobi United.

The defensive department includes Abud Omar, Frank Odhiambo, Amos Wanjala, Sylvester Owino, Eric Marcelo Ouma, Stanley Wilson, Vincent Harper, Ronney Onyango and Hannif Wesonga.

In midfield, McCarthy has retained Manzur Okwaro, Alwyn Tera, Henry Ochieng and Zak Vyner, while the attacking department features Job Ochieng, Mohammed Bajaber, Will Lenkupae, Adam Wilson, Ben Stanley, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam and Micah Obiero.

The double-header will provide McCarthy with an opportunity to assess his players against strong opposition as Kenya continues its preparations for the 2027 AFCON tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Harambee Stars began their Group D qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea.

South Africa, meanwhile, head into the two matches after winning their opening two qualifying fixtures against Guinea and Eritrea, placing them at the top of Group D with six points.

The upcoming encounters will also attract attention because McCarthy will be facing his home country for the first time since taking charge of the Kenyan national team.

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