Benni McCarthy Names 24-Man Harambee Stars Squad For South Africa Double-Header

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has trimmed his provisional squad to 24 players for Kenya’s crucial double-header against South Africa in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Gor Mahia have the highest representation among local clubs, contributing four players to the final selection.

Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, defenders Sylvester Owino and Frank Odhiambo, and forward Ben Stanley have all retained their places.

Tusker and Nairobi United have two representatives each. Brian Bwire and Abud Omar will represent the Brewers, while goalkeeper Faruk Shikalo and midfielder Mohammed Bajaber make the cut for Nairobi United.

The squad also welcomes back Poland-based defender Eric Marcelo Ouma, who plays for RKS Raków, alongside midfielder Alwyn Tera of Armenian club Ararat-Armenia.

Tera returns to the national team for the first time since September 2024, when Kenya faced Zimbabwe in the previous AFCON qualifying campaign.

However, Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango is among 12 players who have failed to make the final selection.

Other domestic-based players dropped include Chrispine Erambo, Michael Kibwage, Kevin Wangaya and Lawrence Okoth.

Overseas-based players who missed out include goalkeepers Ian Otieno and Caleb Kramer, Joseph Okumu, Daniel Anyembe, Deon Woodman, Marvin Nabwire and Aldrine Kibet.

Kenya are seeking their first victory in Group D after drawing 1-1 with Eritrea before losing 1-0 to Guinea.

McCarthy’s charges will travel to Johannesburg for the first meeting on November 13 at Orlando Stadium before hosting South Africa at Nyayo Stadium on November 17.

The two encounters offer Kenya an opportunity to revive their qualification campaign ahead of the 2027 AFCON finals, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

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