Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has told his players to treat this month's back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa as a test of character, insisting Kenya will travel to his homeland looking for a result rather than a respectable scoreline.

Kenya play Bafana Bafana away on Friday, 13 November, at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, before hosting the return fixture at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, 17 November, with kick-off at 7pm. The matches are McCarthy's first against the country he represented as a player and whose all-time top scorer he remains.

"We have to approach these matches with the right mentality. South Africa have quality and experience, but we must believe in ourselves and play to our strengths. We are not going there merely to participate," McCarthy said.

Qualification secured, pride at stake

Kenya have already booked their place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania, but the Group D campaign has been underwhelming. Stars drew 1-1 with Eritrea at Nyayo and then lost 1-0 to Guinea in Conakry, and are still searching for a first win.

South Africa, coached by Pitso Mosimane, lead the group with six points after beating Guinea 2-1 and thrashing Eritrea 5-0. Mosimane has named a 38-man provisional squad that includes goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Lyle Foster and Relebohile Mofokeng.

McCarthy, who has named a 36-man provisional list of his own, says the window is about building a team rather than chasing a result at any cost. "We need players who are ready to compete and understand what it means to represent their country. Everyone called up must come with the hunger to fight for a place in the team," he said.

Olunga back, Okumu returns

Captain Michael Olunga headlines the attack after returning from a long injury lay-off at Al-Arabi, alongside Celta Vigo's Aldrine Kibet, Real Sociedad's Job Ochieng, Ryan Ogam, Mohammed Bajaber and Bandari's Lawrence Okoth.

Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu is back from injury to anchor a defence that also features Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson, Abud Omar, Eric Ouma and Rooney Onyango. Gor Mahia goalkeeper Byrne Omondi and defender Michael Kibwage are included despite their club suspensions, with Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno and Caleb Kramer the other keepers.

In midfield, Gor Mahia's Alpha Onyango is recalled alongside Manzur Okwaro, Henry Ochieng, Chris Erambo, Marvin Nabwire, Wrexham's Zak Vyner and Alwyn Tera.

"Young players must understand that talent alone is not enough. They have to work hard, learn and show that they can handle the demands of international football," McCarthy said of the inclusion of Kibet and Kevin Wangaya.

View from the PSL

Kenyan striker Kelvin Etemesi, who plays for Marumo Gallants in South Africa's top flight, believes the tactical battle favours Kenya's coach. He says Bafana move the ball quickly through midfield and resort to long diagonals to the wingers when that space is shut down, and that pressing the back line and Williams can force mistakes.

"Overall, with good organisation, South Africa are beatable," he said.

McCarthy will trim the squad once the overseas-based players report to camp. "We respect South Africa, but our responsibility is to Kenya. We want to compete, get results and give our supporters something to be proud of," he said.

Photos: Mozzart Sport; Gallo Images via Mozzart Sport. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.