Kenya’s Harambee Stars will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Eritrea on Saturday, September 26, at Nyayo National Stadium, with coach Benni McCarthy using the matches to prepare his side for the tournament they are already guaranteed to play in as co-hosts.
McCarthy has selected a 24-man squad, led by captain and striker Michael Olunga, for the opening matches against Eritrea and Guinea. Kenya will host Eritrea before travelling to face Guinea on October 1.
The significance of the qualifiers is unusual for Kenya. As one of the three hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya has already secured its place at AFCON 2027 regardless of its results in the qualifying group. However, the matches provide McCarthy with competitive opportunities to assess his squad and build a team capable of competing at the finals.
Kenya’s opening opponents, Eritrea, are returning to competitive AFCON action, making Saturday’s encounter an important test for McCarthy’s side. The match is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. EAT at Nyayo National Stadium.
After Eritrea, Kenya will travel to face Guinea on October 1, while the other Group D fixture pits South Africa against Guinea on September 26. South Africa will then face Eritrea on September 30.
For McCarthy, the focus is therefore bigger than qualification. With AFCON 2027 taking place on home soil, the upcoming fixtures offer an opportunity to develop the team, test new players and build momentum before Kenya takes its place among Africa’s best next year.
