The Harambee Stars squad for November’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers against South Africa has been named, and captain Michael Olunga and defender Joseph Okumu are both back. Head coach Benni McCarthy has picked a 36-man provisional squad for the double-header against Bafana Bafana, with the return leg set for Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday 17 November at 7pm EAT.
Kenya have already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania, so these games are about building a team for the home tournament. But McCarthy will still want results: Kenya are chasing their first win of the qualifying group after a draw with Eritrea and a defeat to Guinea.
Harambee Stars Squad: Key Facts
- Coach: Benni McCarthy
- Squad size: 36 players (provisional)
- Opponents: South Africa, home and away
- First leg: in South Africa, mid-November (exact date to be confirmed by the federation)
- Return leg: Tuesday 17 November, 7pm EAT, Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
- Competition: AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Olunga Returns as Captain
The biggest boost is the return of Michael Olunga. The Al-Arabi striker missed the last international window through injury, and his experience and goals have been badly missed. His return gives McCarthy a proven focal point in attack for two tough games.
Okumu Back After a Long Injury
Joseph Okumu’s recall is just as important. The Stade de Reims centre-back has been out for a long spell with a knee ligament injury and is now fit enough to rejoin the national team. A fit Okumu brings top-level European experience to a back line that has been short of it.
Other Notable Names in the Harambee Stars Squad
- Ian Otieno: the Richards Bay goalkeeper is recalled, and he will know many of the South African players well from his club football there.
- Daniel Anyembe: the defender returns after missing several matches.
- Alpha Onyango: the Gor Mahia player is rewarded for his early-season form in the FKF Premier League.
- Aldrine Kibet and Job Ochieng: the Spain-based youngsters, at Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad respectively, are included again as McCarthy continues to blood young talent ahead of the home AFCON.
As this is a provisional list, the squad is expected to be cut down before the team travels. Updates will appear on the official FKF website.
McCarthy Against His Home Country
There is an extra storyline here. McCarthy is a former South Africa international striker, and these will be his first matches against his home nation since taking charge of Kenya. Expect plenty of attention on him in both legs.
South Africa will start as favourites, particularly in the first leg on home soil. For Kenya, a positive result in either game would be a big confidence boost ahead of the home tournament. Our Harambee Stars betting guide explains how to approach national team markets, and our AFCON betting tips guide covers the tournament itself. For more local football news, visit our FKF section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in the Harambee Stars squad to face South Africa?
Benni McCarthy has named a 36-man provisional squad including captain Michael Olunga, Joseph Okumu, Ian Otieno, Daniel Anyembe, Aldrine Kibet and Job Ochieng.
When do Kenya play South Africa at Nyayo Stadium?
The return leg is on Tuesday 17 November 2026 at 7pm EAT at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The first leg is in South Africa a few days earlier.
Have Kenya qualified for AFCON 2027?
Yes. Kenya qualify automatically as co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania, so the qualifiers are mainly preparation for the tournament.
Who is the Harambee Stars coach?
Benni McCarthy, the former South Africa striker, is the Harambee Stars head coach.
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