Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy wants his team to put up a strong fight against his home country, South Africa, in two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches next month.
Kenya will play the first match away on November 13, before hosting Bafana Bafana at Nyayo National Stadium on November 17. The Nairobi match will kick off at 7 pm.
McCarthy knows South Africa well, having played for the country. However, he will want his Kenyan side to rise to the challenge and show that they can compete against one of Africa’s top teams.
Kenya have already qualified for the 2027 AFCON finals as co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania. However, the two matches will give McCarthy a chance to test his players and improve the team before the tournament.
Stars have had a difficult start to their Group D campaign. They drew 1-1 with Eritrea at Nyayo before losing 1-0 to Guinea away in Conakry. McCarthy will be hoping for better results against South Africa.
“We have to approach these matches with the right mentality. South Africa have quality and experience, but we must believe in ourselves and play to our strengths. We are not going there merely to participate,” McCarthy said.
South Africa are top of Group D with six points after beating Guinea 2-1 and thrashing Eritrea 5-0. This makes the two matches an important test for Kenya.
McCarthy has named a provisional squad of 36 players, blending experience and young talents. Goalkeepers Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire and Caleb Kramer have been included.
The defence features Joseph Okumu, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar, Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson and Rooney Onyango, among others. “We need players who are ready to compete and understand what it means to represent their country. Everyone called up must come with the hunger to fight for a place in the team,” he said.
Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango is among seven midfielders selected, alongside Manzur Okwaro, Henry Ochieng, Chris Erambo, Marvin Nabwire, Zak Vyner and Alwyn Tera. The attack includes captain Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya, Job Ochieng, Mohammed Bajaber, Will Lenkupae, Ben Stanley, Adam Wilson, Micah Obiero and Lawrence Okoth.
The inclusion of Kibet and Wangaya gives the young players a chance to impress, while Olunga brings experience to the attack.
“Young players must understand that talent alone is not enough. They have to work hard, learn and show that they can handle the demands of international football,” McCarthy said.
The coach will use the training camp to work on the team’s attack and defence before travelling to South Africa. “We respect South Africa, but our responsibility is to Kenya. We want to compete, get results and give our supporters something to be proud of,” he added.
The Stars will then return home for the second match, where they will hope to give their supporters a good performance at Nyayo National Stadium.
