Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has named a provisional 36-man squad for the two matches against South Africa on 13 and 17 November. Striker and captain Michael Olunga is included, alongside Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango.
Benni McCarthy wants to take on South Africa with the Harambee Stars, according to The Star. Kenya play away first, on 13 November, then host at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on 17 November at 19:00, in a double header against the Bafana Bafana.
The Harambee Stars began Group D with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea at the Nyayo National Stadium, before a 1-0 defeat in Guinea in Conakry. South Africa, for their part, top the group with six points, after 2-1 wins over Guinea and 5-0 over Eritrea.
An expanded squad blending experience and youth
The Kenya head coach has called up 36 players, a provisional squad that blends experience and youth. In goal, Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire and Caleb Kramer are included. The defence features Joseph Okumu, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar, Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson and Rooney Onyango, among others.
In midfield, Alpha Onyango of Gor Mahia is one of 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 and Mohammed Bajaber.
Benni McCarthy expects his players to be ready to fight for a place in the team. “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 told The Star.
Finding the right mentality against the Bafana Bafana
For McCarthy, preparation comes down to the right mindset. “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,” he told the Kenyan daily.
Kenya have already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The two matches against South Africa are therefore not decisive for that qualification.
A schedule in two stages
The schedule includes two matches: a trip to South Africa on 13 November, then a home game at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on 17 November at 19:00.