Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has assembled a strong 36-man provisional squad for Kenya's upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounters against South Africa, signalling his determination to strengthen the national team ahead of the continental tournament.

The squad features a mixture of experienced internationals, returning players and emerging talents, with captain Michael Olunga leading the attacking department.

Among the notable inclusions are England-based midfielder Henry Ochieng, defenders Eric Marcelo Ouma and Sylvester Owino, alongside midfielders Alwyn Tera and Alpha Onyango, who return after missing previous international assignments.

The return of dependable defender Joseph Okumu and goalkeeper Ian Otieno also provides McCarthy with additional options as he prepares for the demanding double-header.

Other notable names include Ryan Ogam, Job Ochieng, Aldrine Kibet, Zak Vyner and Adam Wilson, highlighting the coach's intention to combine local talent with players gaining experience in foreign leagues.

Kenya will travel to South Africa for the first encounter scheduled for November 13 at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto. The return fixture will take place four days later, on November 17, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

The matches carry particular significance for McCarthy, who will face his native country for the first time since taking charge of Harambee Stars. The former South African international remains his country's all-time leading scorer with 31 goals.

Kenya enters the fixtures seeking to improve its Group D performance after drawing 1-1 with Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat against Guinea.

Although Kenya has secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the qualifiers provide an important opportunity to build team chemistry and assess players.

McCarthy will be hoping his expanded squad delivers improved performances against a South African side that has started its qualifying campaign strongly.

The double-header is expected to offer an important test of Kenya's progress under the former Manchester United assistant coach.

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