Harambee Stars Squad for South Africa: McCarthy Names 36 Players

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has named a 36-man provisional squad for Kenya's back-to-back AFCON 2027 qualifiers against South Africa this month. The Harambee Stars squad sees defender Joseph Okumu back from a long injury lay-off and striker Michael Olunga included again, as Kenya chase a first win in Group D.

The double-header starts in Johannesburg on Friday, 13 November, before Bafana Bafana travel to Nairobi for the return match at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, 17 November. Here is the full list, the fixture details and what is really at stake for a Kenya side that is already going to the finals as co-hosts.

Harambee Stars Squad: The Full 36-Man List

The provisional list was released on the official Harambee Stars X account on 29 October. It is split into five goalkeepers, 13 defenders, seven midfielders and 11 forwards. A provisional squad is a long list, so McCarthy is expected to trim it to a matchday group before the trip to South Africa.

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Caleb Kramer.

Defenders: Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Deon Woodman, Daniel Anyembe, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibagwe, Rooney Onyango, Hannif Wesonga.

Midfielders: Manzur Okwaro, Henry Ochieng, Chris Erambo, Marvin Nabwire, Zak Vyner, Alwyn Tera, Alpha Onyango.

Forwards: Aldrine Kibet, Will Lenkupae, Kevin Wangaya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth.

Key Returns: Okumu, Olunga, Anyembe and Alpha Onyango

The biggest name on the defensive list is Joseph Okumu. The Stade de Reims centre-back has been out since August last year after tearing ligaments in his left knee, so his inclusion is as much about checking his readiness as anything else. If he is fit to start, he gives McCarthy a defender with years of European experience against a South African attack that will expect to dominate the ball.

Daniel Anyembe, who plays in Denmark for Viborg, is also back after missing several matches, while Sylvester Owino returns from injury. Together they give the coach far more options at the back than he had in the October window.

Up front, Michael Olunga is included after being excused from the previous international break to recover from injury. He remains the most experienced finisher in the pool, and his presence matters for a team still looking for its first win of the campaign.

There is also a reward for domestic form. Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango has been recalled after scoring three goals in the early weeks of the SportPesa League season. Young forwards Kevin Wangaya and Lawrence Okoth come in from the Rising Stars set-up, and Aldrine Kibet and Job Ochieng, both attached to Spanish clubs, keep their places.

Kenya vs South Africa: Dates, Venues and Kick-Off Times

First leg: South Africa vs Kenya, Friday 13 November 2026, Orlando Stadium, Soweto, Johannesburg. South African reports put kick-off at 18:00 local time, which is 7pm in Nairobi.

Second leg: Kenya vs South Africa, Tuesday 17 November 2026, Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, kick-off 7pm EAT.

Only four days separate the two games, and the squad has to fly from Johannesburg to Nairobi in between. That is one reason McCarthy has named a large pool. Rotation in the second match is likely, especially in midfield and in wide areas, where the running load is heaviest.

Where Kenya Stand in Group D

Group D contains Kenya, South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea. Kenya opened with a draw against Eritrea and then lost 1-0 to Guinea in Conakry in October, leaving them bottom of the group with one point. South Africa, coached by Pitso Mosimane, won both of their September games, against Guinea and Eritrea, and lead the section.

Kenya's place at the 2027 finals is already secure, because the tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. That changes the meaning of these qualifiers. For Kenya the results do not decide qualification, but for Guinea and Eritrea every point Kenya take off South Africa can reshape the race for the group's other place at the finals.

Analysis: What McCarthy Needs From the Double-Header

Without the pressure of qualifying, these games are best seen as two competitive rehearsals against one of the strongest teams in southern Africa. McCarthy, a former Bafana Bafana striker, knows the opposition and South African football well. That should help Kenya prepare, but it does not close the gap in quality.

The first priority is defensive shape. Kenya have not yet won in the group, but the bigger concern before these games was a back line short of experienced bodies. With Okumu, Anyembe and Owino available again, McCarthy can test the partnerships he will rely on at the finals in June.

The second priority is the forward line. Olunga's experience sits alongside a group of younger players, including Ryan Ogam, Mohammed Bajaber and the Spain-based pair. Finding a front three that can press and still produce chances against a well-organised side would be one of the most useful lessons of the window.

Finally, there is the home crowd. The return leg at Nyayo is one of the last chances for Kenyan fans to watch a competitive Harambee Stars match before AFCON 2027, which runs from 19 June to 17 July 2027. A positive result in Nairobi would lift belief well before the tournament starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Kenya vs South Africa in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers?

South Africa host Kenya at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday, 13 November 2026, kick-off 18:00 South African time (7pm EAT). The return leg is at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, on Tuesday, 17 November 2026 at 7pm EAT.

How many players are in the Harambee Stars squad?

Benni McCarthy named a 36-man provisional squad: five goalkeepers, 13 defenders, seven midfielders and 11 forwards. It is expected to be cut down before the matches.

Do Kenya need to qualify for AFCON 2027?

No. Kenya qualify automatically as co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania, but they still play their Group D qualifiers and their results affect the other teams in the group.

Is Michael Olunga in the squad?

Yes. Olunga is in the forward group after being excused from the previous international break to recover from injury.

For Kenya, the South Africa double-header is less about points and more about building a settled team before the country hosts Africa's biggest tournament. Scorer254 will bring you the confirmed final squad, team news and full reports from Johannesburg and Nairobi.