Harambee Stars name final squad ahead of Eritrea, Guinea AFCON qualifiers

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has signalled a bold new era for Kenyan football after calling up a wave of exciting foreign-based youngsters alongside veteran talisman Michael Olunga for the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea.
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‎​The South African tactician has injected fresh blood into the national setup, handing debut call-ups to several prospects plying their trade across Europe’s top development systems.
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‎Highlighting the new faces is in-form Real Sociedad forward Job Ochieng, rising Valencia defender Amos Wanjala and Stade Reims midfielder Manzur Okwaro.
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‎​The squad also features English-based duo Vincent Harper of Exeter City and Micah Obiero of Carlisle United, alongside Belgium-based forward Ryan Ogam and Charlton Athletic’s Timothy Ouma.
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‎​Despite the influx of youthful talent, Al-Arabi striker and national team captain Michael Olunga remains the undisputed focal point of the attack. Olunga’s veteran leadership will be crucial in guiding the revamped squad as McCarthy blends international experience with elite youth academy potential.
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‎Alongside his leadership role in the team, the Qatar based forward will be in the verge of writing his name in Kenya’s history as he aims to become Kenya’s all-time top scorer as he is only one goal away from reaching William Ouma’s 35-goal record.
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‎Kenya, who have already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, will use these Group D qualifiers for high-intensity team building.
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‎The Stars host Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium on September 26 before travelling to Conakry to face Guinea on October 1.
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‎​Full Harambee Stars squad
‎​Goalkeepers
‎​Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia)
‎Faruk Shikhalo (Nairobi United)
‎Brian Bwire (Tusker FC)
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‎​Defenders
‎​Michael Kibagwe (Gor Mahia)
‎Rooney Onyango (Sogndal)
‎Hannif Wesonga (Jamus FC)
‎Stanley Wilson (AIK)
‎Abud Omar (Tusker FC)
‎Amos Wanjala (Valencia)
‎Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
‎Vincent Harper (Exeter City)
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‎​Midfielders
‎​Manzur Okwaro (Stade Reims)
‎Timothy Ouma (Charlton Athletic)
‎Chris Erambo (Tusker FC)
‎Duke Abuya (Yanga SC)
‎Marvin Nabwire (Power Dynamos)
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‎​Forwards
‎​Sharif Musa (Gor Mahia)
‎Mohammed Bajaber (Unattached)
‎Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia)
‎Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad)
‎Javan Ochieng (Hickory FC)
‎Micah Obiero (Carlisle United)
‎Ryan Ogam (RFC Lüttich)
‎Michael Olunga (Al-Arabi)