Olunga returns as McCarthy names provisional Harambee Stars squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Photo || FKF
Michael Olunga has returned to the Harambee Stars fold as head coach Benni McCarthy names his provisional squad for Kenya’s opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea.
Olunga’s inclusion is one of the biggest talking points in a squad that blends experienced internationals with several emerging players as McCarthy continues to shape his team ahead of the continental tournament.
Kenya will face Eritrea at Nyayo Stadium on September 26 before travelling to Conakry to take on Guinea on October 1 at Stade du 28 Septembre.
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The matches will be played as part of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, although Kenya enter the fixtures from a unique position.
Kenya is one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania, thus Harambee Stars have already secured their place at the tournament.
Kenya were drawn into Group D alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea, in a group that offers McCarthy an opportunity to test his players against different styles and levels of opposition before the 2027 finals.
CAF’s qualification format means the matches remain official competitive fixtures despite Kenya’s automatic qualification as hosts. The highest-ranked non-host in Group D will claim the additional qualification place.
McCarthy, however, will be suing the matches to identify the players capable of forming the core of his AFCON 2027 squad.
Olunga return provides experience
The return of Olunga gives McCarthy an experienced focal point in attack.
The Harambee Stars captain remains one of Kenya’s most established international players and has carried much of the country’s attacking responsibility over the years.
Olunga will compete for a place in attack alongside Mohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Javan Ochieng, Louis Millard, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero and Lawrence Okoth.
Ryan Ogam is one of the younger forwards expected to attract attention. His inclusion gives McCarthy another option alongside Olunga and provides an opportunity for the coach to assess the next generation of Kenyan attackers.
The final squad is expected to be trimmed before the September fixtures, meaning a provisional call-up does not automatically guarantee a place in the matchday squad.
Young players get their opportunity
McCarthy has continued to widen the pool of players available to him, with several emerging talents featuring in the provisional list.
Aldrine Kibet is among the most interesting names as the young midfielder has attracted attention during his development and his inclusion indicates that McCarthy is prepared to give promising players an opportunity to compete alongside established internationals.
Kibet will compete for a midfield place with Zak Vyner, Timothy Ouma, Kevin Wangaya, Chris Erambo, Duke Abuya, Marvin Nabwire, Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero and Will Lenkupae.
Austin Odhiambo’s inclusion is also worth noting. The former Gor Mahia midfielder was previously among the notable omissions from one of McCarthy’s earlier selections, but he has now returned to the provisional squad.
The defensive department sees the return of Joseph Okumu, with Manzur Okwaro, Stanley Wilson, Abud Omar, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Daniel Ayembe, Deon Woodman, Michael Kibagwe, Rooney Onyango, Paul Ochuoga and Hannif Wesonga also included.
Goalkeepers Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire and Caleb Kramer complete the provisional selection.
Shumah, Onyango among notable omissions
The squad has also raised questions because of several familiar names who are missing.
Moses Shumah is arguably one of the most notable omissions. The forward who enjoyed a productive spell in Zambia and has previously demonstrated his scoring ability in the FKF Premier League.
His absence is likely to generate discussion, particularly given McCarthy’s decision to include several less-established attacking options.
Alpha Onyango is another familiar face missing from the list. The Gor Mahia midfielder has featured for Harambee Stars under McCarthy and has previously been trusted with significant responsibility.
Michael Kibwage is also absent despite his experience at club and international level, while Collins Sichenje does not feature in the provisional selection either.
Eric “Marcelo” Ouma is another established player supporters may notice is missing. The experienced defender has previously been part of Kenya’s plans but does not appear in the latest list.
These omissions highlight the competitive nature of the squad-building process under McCarthy.
The coach appears determined to assess different combinations rather than simply rely on players who have been regulars in previous Harambee Stars squads.
Eritrea and Guinea offer early tests
The opening match against Eritrea at Nyayo Stadium will give McCarthy an opportunity to assess his side in front of Kenyan supporters.
A few days later, the trip to Guinea will provide a completely different challenge.
Playing in Conakry should offer the coach a useful indication of how his players respond to pressure away from home and against a physically demanding West African opponent.
South Africa’s presence in the group adds another layer to the competition, but Kenya’s objectives are different from those of their opponents.
While Eritrea, Guinea and South Africa will be looking to secure the qualification place available to the best non-host, Kenya can concentrate on development, competitiveness and preparation for the 2027 tournament.
That makes every fixture an opportunity for players to make a case for inclusion in McCarthy’s eventual AFCON squad.
The South African coach now has a large provisional group from which to make those decisions.
Olunga provides the experience, while players such as Kibet, Ogam, Obiero and Lenkupae represent the younger generation McCarthy could build around in the coming months.
The September and October fixtures will therefore offer more than just results.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers
Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Caleb Kramer
Defenders
Manzur Okwaro, Stanley Wilson, Abud Omar, Joseph Okumu, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Daniel Ayembe, Deon Woodman, Michael Kibagwe, Rooney Onyango, Paul Ochuoga, Hannif Wesonga
Midfielders
Zak Vyner, Timothy Ouma, Kevin Wangaya, Chris Erambo, Duke Abuya, Marvin Nabwire, Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero, Will Lenkupae, Aldrine Kibet
Forwards
Mohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Javan Ochieng, Louis Millard, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth
