Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has named a 36-man provisional squad for November's back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa, with captain Michael Olunga and centre-back Joseph Okumu both returning after long injury layoffs.

Kenya travel to Johannesburg for the first leg before hosting Bafana Bafana at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, November 17, at 7pm. The Standard puts the away match on November 13, while Mozzart Sport reports November 11. The double-header carries extra spice for McCarthy, a South Africa great who will be plotting against his own country.

Big names return

Olunga, the Al Arabi forward who missed the last international window through injury, is back to lead the line as he chases Kenya's all-time scoring record. Stade de Reims defender Okumu also returns after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, while Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno earns a recall and Denmark-based defender Daniel Anyembe is back in contention.

McCarthy has again leaned on a mix of home-based players and a growing group of overseas-based youngsters, among them Celta Vigo's Aldrine Kibet, Real Sociedad's Job Ochieng, RFC Liège striker Ryan Ogam and Exeter City defender Vincent Harper.

  • Goalkeepers include Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Tusker), Faruk Shikhalo (Nairobi United), Ian Otieno (Richards Bay) and Caleb Kramer (ADO Den Haag)
  • Defenders include Joseph Okumu, Stanley Wilson (AIK), Amos Wanjala (Valencia), Daniel Anyembe, Abud Omar, Frank Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango and Vincent Harper
  • Midfielders include Manzur Okwaro (Stade de Reims), Marvin Nabwire (Power Dynamos), Zak Vyner (Wrexham), Alwyn Tera (Ararat-Armenia), Henry Ochieng and Gor Mahia's Alpha Onyango
  • Forwards include Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero (Carlisle United), Aldrine Kibet, Job Ochieng and Bandari's Lawrence Okoth

Pressure to deliver

Kenya have already qualified for the 2027 finals as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, but the qualifiers remain an important test for a side that drew with Eritrea and lost to Guinea in its first two group matches.

With the tournament now just months away, McCarthy is under pressure to settle on a competitive core. Two matches against South Africa, one of the continent's stronger sides, should give the technical bench a clearer picture of where the team stands.

The provisional list will be trimmed to a final squad before the team travels to South Africa, with Gor Mahia, who are in fine form in the domestic league, well represented in the group.

Photos: The Standard (Harambee Stars training); Mozzart Sport (Harambee Stars players with coach Benni McCarthy). Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.