Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has included forwards Kevin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet in his provisional squad, The Eastleigh Voice reported. Kenya face South Africa twice in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The Daily Nation called it the strongest Kenya squad McCarthy has picked so far.
Kenya travel to Johannesburg for the first leg on Friday, November 13. They host the return match on Tuesday, November 17, at Nyayo National Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:00 pm East African Time.
McCarthy named 11 forwards. Along with Wangaya and Kibet, they are Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Mohammed Bajaber, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth, Job Ochieng, Ben Stanley, Adam Wilson and Will Lenkupae. The squad also includes five goalkeepers, 13 defenders and seven midfielders.
The goalkeepers are Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire and U23 goalkeeper Caleb Kramer. Joseph Okumu, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar, Rooney Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Deon Woodman, Daniel Ayembe, Michael Kibagwe and Hannif Wesonga make up the defence. The midfielders are Chris Erambo, Alpha Onyango, Henry Ochieng, Manzur Okwaro, Marvin Nabwire, Zak Vyner and Alwyn Tera.
Kenya have one point from their first two Group D games. They drew 1-1 with Eritrea at home, then lost 1-0 to Guinea in Conakry. South Africa top the group with six points. They beat Guinea 2-1 in Johannesburg and Eritrea 5-0 in Egypt.
The games also pit McCarthy against his former national team. The Kenya coach is a South African football legend and South Africa's all-time leading goalscorer.