Harambee Stars Name 36 Players for South Africa: Okumu Returns and Olunga Leads the Line
Kenyan fans have a big fortnight ahead. Benni McCarthy has named a provisional squad of 36 players for two AFCON 2027 qualifiers against South Africa, and the mood around the team is a mix of hope and worry. Kenya are already in the finals as co-hosts, but nobody in Nairobi wants to arrive at home soil with a weak qualifying record.
The reports we have read say the first game is in South Africa and the return is at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday 17 November. The sources do not agree on the date of the first leg. One says Wednesday 11 November in Johannesburg, another says Friday 13 November, so please check the official fixture list before you plan your evening. Take any kickoff time you see online with a pinch of salt until the football federation confirms it.
The Players Who Are Back
The biggest name returning is defender Joseph Okumu of Stade de Reims. Reports say he has been out since August 2025 with a knee ligament injury, so seeing his name on the list is a real boost for a defence that has looked shaky. Whether he is match fit is another question, and a call-up does not mean he will start.
Goalkeeper Ian Otieno has also been recalled, joining Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire and Caleb Kramer in a crowded goalkeeping group. Michael Olunga of Al Arabi is named in the forwards and one report calls him captain. He was reportedly excused from the last break to recover from injury, so his sharpness is something to watch.
Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango is back too, and a local report says he has scored three league goals this season. For a team that has struggled to find the net, that kind of form from a local player is welcome news. Fans in Nairobi will be hoping he gets minutes.
Young Names Worth Watching
McCarthy has mixed experience with fresh faces. Aldrine Kibet of Celta Vigo and Job Ochieng of Real Sociedad are two of the forwards that Kenyan reports describe as rising talents, alongside Kevin Wangaya and Lawrence Okoth. Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero and Will Lenkupae add more options up front.
In defence you will see names like Daniel Anyembe, Deon Woodman, Vincent Harper and Eric Ouma, while Zak Vyner and Manzur Okwaro sit in midfield. Not every spelling matches across the lists we found, and the squad is described as provisional, so some of these players may not make the final group. Treat this list as a guide, not a final team sheet.
What the Group Picture Looks Like
One Kenyan report says the Stars drew with Eritrea and lost to Guinea earlier in Group D, and that they are still waiting for a first win. We could not find a full table to confirm the points, so we are not going to quote one here. Please check the official CAF table before you rely on any standings.
This is also an emotional fixture for McCarthy, who is South African and a former Bafana Bafana striker. Both reports describe it as his first meeting with his home country as Kenya coach. That story will get plenty of airtime, but it will not decide who scores on the day.
Betting Sense Before the Games
Squad news moves odds quickly, so be careful about backing a player before the final list is out. Compare prices on the live operator cards on Betradar Africa, and only use bookmakers that hold a valid Kenyan licence. We do not quote bonus amounts here because offers change, so always read the current terms on the operator card first.
A good habit is to set a small budget for the two games and stick to it, whatever happens in the first leg. Betting should stay fun and affordable. You must be 18 or older to bet, and you should only play with money you can afford to lose. If gambling stops feeling like a game, talk to someone you trust or use the limit and self-exclusion tools on your account.