McCarthy names Wangaya, Aldrine Kibet in provisional squad for AFCON qualifiers

McCarthy names Wangaya, Aldrine Kibet in provisional squad for AFCON qualifiers - Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy. (Photo: Harambee/Facebook)

Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Mohammed Bajaber, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth, Job Ochieng, Ben Stanley, Adam Wilson and Will Lenkupae are also included in the provisional forward line.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has included Kevin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet in his provisional squad for Kenya’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against South Africa.

The two forwards are among 11 attackers named in the provisional squad as Kenya prepare for a crucial double-header against Bafana Bafana in November.

Kenya will travel to Johannesburg for the first leg on Friday, November 13, before hosting South Africa in the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17, at Nyayo National Stadium. The return match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 pm East African Time.

Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Mohammed Bajaber, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth, Job Ochieng, Ben Stanley, Adam Wilson and Will Lenkupae are also included in the provisional forward line.

McCarthy has named five goalkeepers, 13 defenders and seven midfielders in the provisional squad as he begins preparations for the two encounters.

In goal, Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire and U23 goalkeeper Caleb Kramer have been listed.

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The defensive department features Joseph Okumu, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar, Rooney Onyango, Sylvester Owino, Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Deon Woodman, Daniel Ayembe, Michael Kibagwe and Hannif Wesonga.

Chris Erambo, Alpha Onyango, Henry Ochieng, Manzur Okwaro, Marvin Nabwire, Zak Vyner and Alwyn Tera make up the midfield contingent.

Kenya head into the double-header seeking to improve their position in Group D after collecting one point from their opening two qualifiers. They drew 1-1 with Eritrea at home before losing 1-0 to Guinea away in Conakry.

South Africa, meanwhile, lead the group with six points after winning their opening matches against Guinea and Eritrea. Bafana Bafana beat Guinea 2-1 in Johannesburg before recording a 5-0 victory over Eritrea in Egypt.

The November fixtures will offer Kenya an opportunity to revive their qualifying campaign against a side that has made a strong start to the group.

The matches will also see McCarthy face his former national team. The Harambee Stars coach is a South African football legend and the country's all-time leading goalscorer.