Aldrine Kibet returns as coach Kimani strengthens Emerging Stars for clash against Côte d’Ivoire

Aldrine Kibet returns as coach Kimani strengthens Emerging Stars for clash against Côte d’Ivoire

Kibet is among several additions to a squad that has largely retained the players who helped Kenya eliminate Tanzania 5-4 on aggregate.

Aldrine Kibet is back in the Emerging Stars setup as head coach Anthony Kimani strengthens his squad for Kenya’s second-round 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire.

The Celta Vigo forward missed the opening-round tie against Tanzania while finalising his work permit in Spain but has been included in Kimani’s 37-player provisional squad for the two-legged clash.

Kibet is among several additions to a squad that has largely retained the players who helped Kenya eliminate Tanzania 5-4 on aggregate.

Humphrey Aroko of FC Rosengård and Jack Steel of St. Bonaventure are also included, alongside Emmanuel Osoro of Power Dynamos, Javan Ochieng of Hickory, Colin Akeno of Manglerud Star and Nairobi United goalkeeper Bernard Jairo.

Kakamega Homeboyz defender Jackson Imbiakha and Nairobi United midfielder Mark Kithome have also been added to the provisional selection.

The return of Kibet gives Kimani another option in attack as Kenya prepare for a tougher second-round assignment.

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The Emerging Stars reached this stage after surviving a late scare from Tanzania. Kenya won the first leg 4-1 at Nyayo National Stadium but lost the return match 3-1 in Dar es Salaam, with Andreas Odhiambo scoring the goal that helped preserve their aggregate advantage.

Côte d’Ivoire will provide a different challenge, with Kenya needing to build an advantage at home before travelling to Abidjan.

The first leg will be played at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday, November 11 at 3 pm, with the return leg scheduled for November 17 at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan at 10 pm EAT.

The winner of the tie will advance to the final qualifying round, where Tunisia or Benin awaits, with a place at the 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt at stake.

The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Provisional Squad

GoalKeepers

Caleb Kramer, Collins Omondi, Kevin Oduor, Bernard Jairo

Defenders

Ian Omondi, Joseph Bate, Jackson Imbiakha, Robinson Musungu, Collins Ochieng, Baron Ochieng, Price Musebe, Wycliffe Awiko, Bilal Otieno, Telena Ochieng

Midfielders

Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya, Kelly Madada, Andres Odhiambo, Irad Mshindi, Humphrey Aroko, Oliver Majaka, Zachary Nyakwara, Glen Githinji, Ateek Omar, Jack Steel, Mark Kithome.

Forwards

Brooklyn Kazungu, Lawrence Okoth, Paul Osama, Jeremy Bisau, Syphas Otieno, Stephen Omondi, Dan Omalla, Emmanuel Osoro, Collins Okello, Henry Omollo, Colin Akeno, Javan Ochieng, Hassan Beja