Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has announced his final squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounters against South Africa, as the Harambee Stars prepare to face Bafana Bafana in two important fixtures.

The opening match is scheduled to take place on November 13 at Orlando Stadium in South Africa, while the return leg will be played on November 17 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

McCarthy, a former South African international striker, has put together a squad featuring a combination of experienced campaigners and promising young players. His selection includes footballers competing in the Kenyan league as well as those currently playing for clubs in different countries.

In the goalkeeping department, Byrne Omondi of Gor Mahia, Brian Bwire of Tusker and Faruk Shikalo of Nairobi United have earned invitations. The trio will compete for the opportunity to be named in the starting lineup for the two matches.

The defensive options include Abud Omar of Tusker, Frank Odhiambo and Sylvester Owino of Gor Mahia, Amos Wanjala of Valencia, Eric Marcelo Ouma of RKS Rakow, Stanley Wilson of AIK, Vincent Harper of Exeter City, Ronney Onyango of Sogndal FC and Hannif Wesonga of Jamus FC.

For the midfield positions, McCarthy has selected Manzur Okwaro of Stade Reims, Alwyn Tera of Ararat-Armenia, Henry Ochieng of Slough Town and Zak Vyner of Wrexham. They will be tasked with helping Kenya maintain possession, provide defensive support and create opportunities for the attacking players.

The attacking options feature Job Ochieng of Real Sociedad, Mohammed Bajaber of Nairobi United, Will Lenkupae of Tulsa, Adam Wilson of New Saints, Ben Stanley of Gor Mahia, Michael Olunga of Al-Arabi, Ryan Ogam of RFC Luttich and Micah Obiero of Carlisle.

Experienced forward Michael Olunga is expected to be one of Kenya's key players in the attacking department. The Al-Arabi striker will carry significant responsibility as the Harambee Stars look to find the back of the net against South Africa.

The upcoming fixtures represent an important test for McCarthy as he continues his work with the Kenyan national team ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament. Positive results against Bafana Bafana would provide the Harambee Stars with valuable momentum as they pursue their objectives in the qualifying campaign.

The Football Kenya Federation has officially confirmed the selected squad, with the invited players expected to join the national team camp before the two encounters.

Kenya supporters will now be eager to see how McCarthy's side performs against South Africa, with both matches expected to provide an important measure of the team's progress and preparations for the continental competition.

Source:

https://x.com/soccerbeatza/status/2118691715250786308?s=46