Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 38-man provisional squad for Kenya’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, bringing in three uncapped players while recalling captain Michael Olunga and defender Joseph Okumu after lengthy injury layoffs.
Nairobi United midfielder Kevin Wangaya, Swindon Town player Louis Millard and United States-based Javan Ochieng have received their maiden senior call-ups as McCarthy continues to reshape the national team ahead of a demanding Group D campaign.
Kenya will begin its qualifying campaign against Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium on September 26 before travelling to Conakry to face Guinea on October 1.
The Harambee Stars are in Group D alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea.
The selection of Wangaya represents one of the most notable changes in McCarthy’s latest squad.
The Nairobi United midfielder impressed during the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named in the tournament’s Group Stage Best XI, before continuing to attract attention with his performances in domestic football.
Millard, who plays for English League Two side Swindon Town, and Javan Ochieng, who is based with US club Hickory FC, complete the trio of first-time selections.
McCarthy has also continued his search for young talent by including Spanish-based teenagers Aldrine Kibet and Amos Wanjala.
Kibet brings previous international youth experience, while Wanjala has continued his development in Spain.
The squad also provides a boost with the return of Olunga and Okumu.
Their inclusion gives McCarthy greater experience as Kenya prepares for two matches that could provide an early indication of its chances of progressing through the qualifiers.
However, the provisional list has also raised questions because several established players have been left out.
Their omissions are likely to fuel debate among supporters as McCarthy seeks to establish the squad he believes can deliver results in the qualifiers.
The coach’s selections underline an apparent willingness to reward current club form while creating opportunities for emerging players to establish themselves at senior international level.
For Kenya, the immediate task is to turn the new-look squad into a competitive unit before Eritrea’s visit to Nairobi.
With South Africa and Guinea also in the group, every point will be valuable as the Stars attempt to secure qualification for the 2027 continental tournament.
