Harambee Stars to commence 2027 AFCON journey with Eritrea in Nairobi
By Joel Masibo, May 24, 2026The road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is set to begin for the Kenya national football team, with the Harambee Stars scheduled to open their qualification campaign against Eritrea in Nairobi.
Although Kenya has already secured a place at the continental showpiece as one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the national side will still take part in the qualification series.
Kenya has been drawn in Group D together with Eritrea, Guinea, and South Africa in what promises to be a competitive campaign. The qualifiers will allow Harambee Stars to test themselves against top opposition and continue building momentum ahead of hosting the tournament in 2027.
The Stars will begin their journey at home against Eritrea before travelling away to face Guinea in their second fixture. Matchday three will see Kenya take on South Africa away from home before the return leg against Bafana Bafana in Nairobi.
The final stretch of the campaign will include an away clash against Eritrea before Kenya wraps up the group stage with a home match against Guinea.
Group D fixtures
Kenya vs Eritrea
Guinea vs Kenya
South Africa vs Kenya
Kenya vs South Africa
Eritrea vs Kenya
Kenya vs Guinea
The qualification matches will be played across three international windows. Matchdays one and two are scheduled between September 21 and October 6, 2026, while matchdays three and four will take place from November 9 to 17, 2026. The final two rounds of fixtures are set for March 22 to 30, 2027.
With automatic qualification already guaranteed, the campaign will still carry significant importance for Harambee Stars as the team seeks to strengthen chemistry, assess squad depth, and prepare for the pressure of competing on home soil during the 2027 AFCON finals.
Qualifiers preparations
Ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, the Harambee Stars coaching staff has unveiled a 24-player travelling squad for the June 2026 FIFA international break, where Harambee Stars are scheduled to play friendly matches against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan. Kenya is set to take on Palestine on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, before facing Kyrgyzstan on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Final squad
The squad includes three goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, and Caleb Kramer.
In defence, the coaches selected Erick Ouma, Stanley Wilson, Sylvester Owino, Frank Odhiambo, Alphonce Omija, Deon Woodman, Rooney Onyango, and Sydney Agina.
The midfield department features Richard Odada, Chris Erambo, Clarke Odour, Will Lenkupae, Austine Odhiambo, and Zech Obiero.
Leading the attack will be Job Ochieng, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Sammy Hena-Kamau, Micah Obiero, Ryan Ogam, and Lawrence Okoth.