Brian Bwire is relishing his inclusion in Kenya’s final 24-man squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with the Tusker goalkeeper eager to make the most of his opportunity under coach Benni McCarthy.
Bwire survived the cut as McCarthy reduced his provisional squad, joining Byrne Omondi and Faruk Shikhalo as the three goalkeepers selected for the September/October international window.
Although Stars have already secured their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Kenya will still compete in the qualifiers, giving McCarthy a chance to expose his players to competitive international football ahead of the finals.
Kenya are in Group D alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea, with the matches providing a useful test as McCarthy continues to shape his team.
“I am very happy and grateful to be part of this squad. It is a big opportunity for me, and I want to capitalise on it well. I know there is competition for places, so I have to remain focused, work hard and be ready whenever I am called upon,” Bwire said.
Harambee Stars will open their campaign against Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium on September 26 before travelling to Conakry, where they face Guinea on October 1. South Africa complete the group, giving Kenya a series of competitive fixtures as preparations for AFCON 2027 gather pace.
The qualifiers will be played across six matchdays, with the remaining windows scheduled for November 2026 and March 2027.
For McCarthy, the games provide an opportunity to assess players in competitive conditions while integrating new faces into the senior team. Among those in the final squad are Real Sociedad forward Job Ochieng, Valencia B defender Amos Wanjala and Stade de Reims midfielder Manzur Okwaro.
Meanwhile, experienced Bwire is looking to learn from the established players in the squad while competing for playing time.
“We have a good group of players, and everyone understands what is at stake. We have to take every game seriously, start well and fight for the results we need. Personally, I want to learn as much as possible and also play my part whenever I get the chance,” he said.
The 2027 finals will run from June 19 to July 17 and will be the first AFCON jointly hosted by three countries. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are guaranteed places in the finals as hosts, meaning Harambee Stars’ results in the qualifiers will not determine their participation in the tournament.
That takes some pressure off the qualification campaign, but the matches remain significant for a Kenya side seeking competitive preparation before the continental showpiece on home soil. Bwire said he is looking forward to the demands of international football and the chance to grow within the national team setup.
“I expect to be part of a team that represents Kenya well. We want to make our fans proud and give ourselves a strong start in these matches. I am ready for the challenge, and I will keep working hard for my chance,” Bwire said. The goalkeeper also sees the qualifiers as an important part of the team’s preparations for AFCON 2027, despite Kenya’s automatic qualification as co-hosts.
“We have to use these games to grow as a team. Every player wants to be involved in a big tournament, and for us the AFCON is already secured because we are hosts. But these matches are important because they give us a chance to compete, improve and understand each other better before the tournament,” he said.
