Aldrine Kibet named in Harambee Stars’ 2027 AFCON qualifiers provisional squad
By Joel Masibo, September 1, 2026Celta Vigo’s forward Aldrine Kibet is among the players entrusted by Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy to lead the national men’s senior team attack as the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (2027 AFCON) kicks off in September 2026.
On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, McCarthy took the first step towards Kenya’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign by naming a provisional squad for the opening two matches.
Kenya will begin their Group D journey against Eritrea on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with the encounter scheduled to take place at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
The national team will then travel to Guinea for their second assignment, facing the West Africans on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry.
Kenya was placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea in the draw for the PAMOJA 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
McCarthy has selected players across the four main departments as he prepares the team for the demanding opening fixtures.
Goalkeepers
Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire and Caleb Kramer have been included among the goalkeeping options.
Defenders
The defensive contingent features Manzur Okwaro, Stanley Wilson, Abud Omar, Joseph Okumu, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Daniel Ayembe, Deon Woodman, Michael Kibagwe, Rooney Onyango, Paul Ochuoga and Hannif Wesonga.
Midfielders
McCarthy has also called up Zak Vyner, Timothy Ouma, Kevin Wangaya, Chris Erambo, Duke Abuya, Marvin Nabwire, Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero, Will Lenkupae and Aldrine Kibet for the provisional selection.
Attackers
The attacking options consist of Mohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Javan Ochieng, Louis Millard, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero and Lawrence Okoth.
The provisional list gives McCarthy a broad pool from which he will eventually select the final squad for Kenya’s opening AFCON qualifying assignments.
With the matches against Eritrea and Guinea coming in quick succession, Harambee Stars will be seeking a strong start in a group that also contains South Africa.
AFCON preparations
Ahead of the tournament, Kenya is actively working on host venues. The playing surface at Nairobi’s Raila Odinga International Stadium is entering one of the most important stages of its development, with workers now undertaking synthetic stitching to reinforce the natural grass ahead of the facility’s planned use for major international matches.
The 60,000-capacity stadium, formerly known as Talanta Stadium, is being developed as one of Kenya’s flagship venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Recent updates indicate that the main pitch has been levelled and the grass has established sufficiently for the stitching phase to begin.