Kenya’s Harambee Stars have unveiled a 38-man provisional squad as they prepare for the opening fixtures of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Head coach Benni McCarthy has named a squad that blends experienced internationals with exciting young talent, as Kenya looks to build momentum ahead of co-hosting the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The squad announcement brings two major pieces of good news for Kenyan fans. Captain Michael Olunga and vice-captain Joseph Okumu have both returned to the national setup after overcoming significant injury layoffs.
Olunga, who plays for Qatar’s Al-Arabi SC, makes his return after a severe five-month pelvic injury that required surgery in Paris on April 2, 2026. He made his competitive comeback on August 21, 2026, coming off the bench in Al-Arabi’s Qatar Stars League opener. Just days later, on August 29, he scored a crucial equaliser against Al-Duhail SC — his first competitive strike since the injury. Reflecting on his journey, Olunga shared: “The delay was just preparation for the comeback. Grateful for the goal, the one point, and the journey back to 100 per cent”.
Defender Joseph Okumu of Stade de Reims also returns following a serious knee ligament injury that kept him sidelined for six months. His presence will be vital in shoring up Kenya’s defensive backline for the tough qualifiers ahead.
McCarthy has continued his policy of rewarding standout form by handing senior debuts to three promising prospects:
Kevin Wangaya (Nairobi United) — the young midfielder impressed at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named in the Group Stage Best XI
Louis Millard (Swindon Town) — the forward currently plies his trade in England’s EFL League Two
Javan Ochieng (Hickory FC) — the attacker continues his development in the United States
They are joined by Spanish-based teenage duo Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo) and Amos Wanjala (Valencia), who bring high-level European academy experience to the squad.
The Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Faruk Shikhalo (Nairobi United), Ian Otieno (Richards Bay), Brian Bwire (Tusker), Caleb Kramer (ADO Den Haag)
Defenders: Manzur Okwaro (Stade Reims), Stanley Wilson (AIK), Abud Omar (Tusker), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims), Amos Wanjala (Valencia), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Daniel Ayembe (Viborg FF), Deon Woodman (Bromley), Michael Kibagwe (Gor Mahia), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Paul Ochuoga (Gor Mahia), Hannif Wesonga (Jamus)
Midfielders: Zak Vyner (Wrexham), Timothy Ouma (Charlton Athletic), Kevin Wangaya (Nairobi United), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Marvin Nabwire (Power Dynamos), Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient), Will Lenkupae (Tulsa), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo)
Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa (Gor Mahia), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Adam Wilson (The New Saints), Javan Ochieng (Hickory), Louis Millard (Swindon Town), Michael Olunga (Al-Arabi), Ryan Ogam (RFC Liège), Micah Obiero (Wealdstone), Lawrence Okoth (Bandari)
Gor Mahia leads all clubs with six inclusions: goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, defenders Michael Kibagwe, Paul Ochuoga and Frank Odhiambo, alongside attackers Sharif Musa and Ben Stanley.
The squad also reflects Kenya’s growing international footprint, with players based in England, Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, the United States, Qatar, Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Kenya have been drawn in Group D alongside South Africa, Guinea, and Eritrea for the PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers. The campaign kicks off with a home fixture against Eritrea on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Nyayo National Stadium. The team will then travel to West Africa to face Guinea on October 1 at the Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry.
Although Kenya have already secured automatic qualification as co-hosts, McCarthy is treating these fixtures with full competitive seriousness, using them as crucial testing grounds to build a championship-caliber team ahead of the tournament on home soil.
The provisional squad will now be trimmed down before McCarthy names the final team for the two qualifiers.
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